Before

Definition

Before is a preposition, conjunction, and adverb. As a preposition, it indicates something that happens earlier in time or in front of something in place. As a conjunction, it connects clauses to indicate precedence in time. As an adverb, it denotes a previous or earlier action.

Parts of Speech

• Preposition
• Conjunction
• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /bɪˈfɔr/
• Respelling: bih-FOR

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /bɪˈfɔː/
• Respelling: bih-FAW

The pronunciation of "before" differs slightly between American and British English, primarily in the final vowel sound.

Etymology

The word "before" originates from Old English "beforan," meaning "in front of" or "prior to." It combines the prefix "be-" (around, about) with "foran" (forward), ultimately coming to mean a time or place in front of another event or location.

Derivatives

• Beforehand (adverb)
• Foremost (adjective)
• Beforetime (noun)
• Becoming (adjective)
• Beforementioned (adjective)

Synonyms

• Prior to
• In front of
• Earlier

Antonyms

• After
• Behind
• Later

Usage

The term "before" is widely used to indicate something happening earlier in time or located in front, as in "He arrived before the meeting started." It is also commonly used as a conjunction and adverb to show precedence.

Related Terms

• After: Opposite term indicating something that happens later in time or behind in place.
• Ahead: In front in time or position, similar to the meaning of "before" in some contexts.
• Preceding: Referring to something that comes prior in time.

Detailed Definitions

Preposition

• Indicating a time earlier than another event: Used to show precedence in time.
  • Example: "He finished his work before lunch."
• Positioned in front of something: Refers to physical location in front of another object.
  • Example: "The monument stands before the city hall."

Conjunction

• Connecting clauses to indicate precedence in time: Joins two clauses to show that one action occurs earlier.
  • Example: "She called him before he left."

Adverb

• At an earlier time: Refers to an action occurring previously.
  • Example: "He had never seen her before."