before

[bih-fawr, -fohr] / bɪˈfɔr, -ˈfoʊr /

ADVERB

earlier

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ahead back previously since sooner

WEAK

afore aforetime ante antecedently anteriorly before present ere fore former formerly forward heretofore in advance in days of yore in front in the old days in the past past precendently previous up to now

Antonyms

WEAK

after afterward behind later

PREPOSITION

earlier than

Synonyms

STRONGEST

since

WEAK

ahead of ante antecedent to anterior to ere in advance of in front of preceding previous to prior to

Antonyms

WEAK

after afterward behind later

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Still, he cautioned that there have been numerous times in the past few years when it seemed as though dealmaking activity was about to take off before something got in the way.

From The Wall Street Journal

The company recently told staff it would discontinue a policy that required employees to work at OpenAI for at least six months before their equity vests.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I feel truly honoured. The people who have gone before me. Ridiculous. And here I am, little old me. Be careful what you wish for."

From BBC

But the company's got form for announcing big new games mere months before they release.

From BBC

Against Villa, the pair put in another solid display in a goalless first half before Brazilian Gabriel started the goal-fest, scoring a scrappy goal three minutes after the restart.

From BBC

before

Example Sentences

Related Words