Come before Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈkəm/ /ˌbiˈfɔɹ/, /bɪˈfɔɹ

KUHM buh-FOR

UK

kˈʌm/ /bɪfˈɔː

KUM bih-FAW

Definition

To happen or exist earlier than something or someone else; can also mean to be more important or take priority over something.

Usage & Nuances

Often used formally. Can refer to order in time or priority (e.g., 'family comes before work'). Common with abstract subjects. Do not confuse with 'come forward' (step up) or 'come after' (follow).

• Spanish: preceder - venir antes de
• Portuguese (BR): preceder - vir antes de
• Portuguese (PT): preceder - vir antes de
• Chinese (Simplified): 在之前发生 - 比...更重要
• Chinese (Traditional): 在之前發生 - 比...更重要
• Hindi: से पहले आना - अधिक महत्वपूर्ण होना
• Arabic: يأتي قبل - يسبق
• Bengali: আগে আসা - অগ্রাধিকার পাওয়া
• Russian: предшествовать - быть важнее
• Japanese: 先に来る - 優先される
• Vietnamese: đến trước - quan trọng hơn
• Korean: 앞서다 - 우선하다
• Turkish: önce gelmek - öncelikli olmak
• Urdu: پہلے آنا - فوقیت رکھنا
• Indonesian: datang lebih dulu - lebih diutamakan

Example Sentences

April comes before May in the calendar.

basic

Your name comes before mine on the list.

basic

Practice comes before the test.

basic

My family always comes before my job.

natural

Does honesty come before success for you?

natural

Experience sometimes comes before qualifications when applying for a job.

natural