Laxi Dictionary

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Definition before in British English

before adverb, conjunction, preposition

adverb, conjunction, preposition
/bɪˈfɔː(r)/

Before can be used in the following ways:

as a conjunction (connecting two clauses): Think carefully before you choose.

as a preposition (followed by a noun): We moved to London before the war.

as an adverb (without a following noun): I’d met him once before.

1

earlier than a particular time, event, or action

1.1

earlier than a particular time, event, or action

Example

I went for a run before breakfast.

Example

The others had got there before us.

Example

Won't you have another drink before you go?

Example

I joined the police in 1999. Before that I was in the army.

Example

Two weeks before the election the first reports of the scandal began to appear.

Example

You should seek legal advice before signing anything.

Synonyms and related words
before first early
1.2

at a time in the past

Example

Haven't we met before somewhere?

Example

Never before in modern history has one nation dominated the world so completely.

Synonyms and related words
past ago previously
1.3

used for saying how much time passes until something happens

Example

Several years went by before I realized that David had lied to me.

Synonyms and related words
then all last
2

used for saying that something happens which prevents someone from doing what they intended

Example

Before I could think of a reply she walked away.

3

used for warning someone that something bad may happen unless they do something

Example

Clean up that mess before your father sees it.

Example

You'd better go away before I lose my temper.

Synonyms and related words
(you) do the math (you) do the maths beware
4

used for saying that something or someone is judged or considered by a group of people

4.1

used for saying that something or someone is judged or considered by a group of people

Example

The case went before a grand jury on December 17th.

Example

The question before us is whether we should allow a foreign government to control our commerce.

4.2

used for saying that something is happening where people can watch it

Example

The team scored an impressive victory before 76,000 fans at Arrowhead Stadium.

5

if one place is before another place on your journey, you come to it first

5.1

if one place is before another place on your journey, you come to it first

Example

A few miles before the border we were stopped at an army checkpoint.

Example

Our house is just before you get to the end of the road.

Synonyms and related words
about across after
5.2

in front of someone or something

Example

Lawrence knelt before the king.

Example

Before the temple gate stood a bronze statue of Buddha.

Synonyms and related words
about across after
5.3

used for saying that something is placed earlier than something else in a list or series

Example

The names are in alphabetical order, so 'Barnes' should come before 'Brown'.

6

used when saying what will happen in someone's future

Example

A promising career stretched out before him.

Example

You're still young - you have your whole life before you.

Synonyms and related words
later someday sooner or later
Definition before in British English

Related Words

Words related to before:

accessory (noun) before (adverb, conjunction, preposition) before dark (phrase) before long (phrase) before tax (phrase) before the is out (phrase) before you can blink (phrase) before your time (phrase) best-before date (noun) bring before (phrasal verb) carry before you (phrase) cast pearls before swine (phrase) come before (phrasal verb) don’t count your chickens (before they’re hatched) (phrase) go before (phrasal verb) have heard it (all) before (phrase) have seen it all before (phrase) in front of someone’s (very) eyes (phrase) just (phrase) lay before (phrasal verb) lie (phrase) look before you leap (phrase) put before (phrasal verb) put (phrase) put the cart before the horse (phrase) the before the storm (phrase) the day before yesterday (phrase) etc (phrase) the etc before (phrase) the etc before last (phrase) try to run before you can walk (phrase)