Looking for the meaning of the word BEFORE in English for both noun and verb forms from the Oxford Dictionary? Below, you can explore all possible meanings and definitions of BEFORE with sentence examples. You can also use the “AUDIO PRONUNCIATION” track to check the correct pronunciation in British English.
Word: Before
Speech Type: Adverb
Old English beforan(see by, fore), of Germanic origin; related to German bevor
bɪˈfɔː
during the period of time preceding a particular event or time
Short Definition:during period of time preceding particular event
Examples:- my playing days had ended six years before
- it's never happened to me before
in front of someone or something
Short Definition:in front of
Examples:- they began trotting through the city with guards running before and behind
Word: Before
Speech Type: Conjunction
bɪˈfɔː
in advance of the time when
Short Definition:in advance of time when
Examples:- they lived rough for four days before they were arrested
- it wasn't long before I dozed off
in preference to (doing a particular thing)
Short Definition:rather than
Examples:- they would die before they would cooperate with each other
Word: Before
Speech Type: Preposition
bɪˈfɔː
during the period of time preceding (a particular event or time)
Short Definition:during period of time preceding
Examples:- she had to rest before dinner
- the day before yesterday
- before the war
in front of
Short Definition:in front of
Examples:- Matilda stood before her, panting
- the patterns swam before her eyes
in preference to; rather than
Short Definition:rather than
Examples:- a skilled warrior who places duty before all else
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