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before
The definition of before is something that happened before another thing, or something that was in front of or before another.
(adverb)- An example of before is the person in front of you in line.
- An example of before is when you have an appointment set for 2:00 and you first go get your hair done.
Before is defined as a previous time.
(preposition)An example of before is when you are asked to do something prior to 7:00 PM.
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See before in Webster's New World College Dictionary
adverb
- in advance; in front; ahead
- in the past; previously: I've heard that song before
- at an earlier time; sooner: come at ten, not before
Origin: ME biforen < OE beforan < be-, by + foran, fore
- ahead of in time, space, order, rank, or importance
- located just to the front of: he paused before the door
- in or into the sight, notice, presence, etc. of: a thought flashed before her mind; he stood before his accuser
- being considered, judged, or decided by: the matter before the committee
- earlier than; prior to: he left before noon
- still to be reached, accomplished, etc. by: the hardest task was before them
- in preference to; rather than: to choose death before dishonor
conjunction
- earlier than the time that: drop in before you go
- sooner than; rather than: I'd die before I'd tell
See before in American Heritage Dictionary 4
adverb
- Earlier in time: They called me the day before.
- In front; ahead.
- Previous to in time; earlier than.
- In front of.
- In store for; awaiting: The young man's whole life lies before him.
- Into or in the presence of: She asked that the visitor be brought before her.
- Under the consideration or jurisdiction of: The case is now before the court.
- In a position superior to: The prince is before his brother in the line of succession.
- In advance of the time when: See me before you leave.
- Rather than; sooner than: I will die before I will betray my country.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English bifore
Origin: , from Old English beforan; see per1 in Indo-European roots
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