adverb

1. in advance; in front; ahead
2. in the past; previously I've heard that song before
3. at an earlier time; sooner come at ten, not before

Etymology: ME biforen < OE beforan < be-, by + foran, fore

1. ahead of in time, space, order, rank, or importance
2. located just to the front of he paused before the door
3. in or into the sight, notice, presence, etc. of a thought flashed before her mind; he stood before his accuser
4. being considered, judged, or decided by the matter before the committee
5. earlier than; prior to he left before noon
6. still to be reached, accomplished, etc. by the hardest task was before them
7. in preference to; rather than to choose death before dishonor

conjunction

1. earlier than the time that drop in before you go
2. sooner than; rather than I'd die before I'd tell