Meaning & use
before
Earlier than a particular time or event, or in front of something in order or position.
See it in a sentence
Please arrive at the theater before seven o'clock, if at all possible.
We had never met before that chance encounter at the airport.
A note on using this word
Also functions as a conjunction ('before you go') and an adverb ('I've seen this before').
Words with a similar meaning
prior toahead of
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Another way to use it
2. conjunction
Introducing a clause that indicates something happens earlier than another event.
Lock the door before you leave the house tonight.
Make it your own
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