before
word
/ˌbiˈfɔɹ/, /bɪˈfɔɹ/
bih-FOR
/bɪfˈɔː/
bih-FAW
Definition
Used to mean earlier than a particular time or event, or in front of something in place or order.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both formal and informal contexts. Often used with time expressions (e.g., 'before noon') and in instructions (e.g., 'wash hands before eating'). Can also indicate spatial order (e.g., 'he stood before me'). Don't confuse with 'ago', which relates only to past time from now.
Spanish: antes de - delante dePortuguese (BR): antes de - diante dePortuguese (PT): antes de - diante deChinese (Simplified): 在……之前 - 以前Chinese (Traditional): 在……之前 - 以前Hindi: पहले - से पहलेArabic: قبل - أمامBengali: আগে - সামনেRussian: до - передJapanese: 前に - 前でVietnamese: trước - trước mặtKorean: 전에 - 앞에Turkish: önce - önündeUrdu: سے پہلے - کے سامنےIndonesian: sebelum - di depan
Example Sentences
She arrived just before the meeting started.
natural
I woke up before sunrise.
basic
Please finish your homework before dinner.
basic
He stood before the line.
basic
Make sure to call me before you leave.
natural
I never thought about that before!
natural