before

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

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