before

Pronunciation

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Preposition

Preposition before

1. If $x$ happens before $y$, $x$ happens first and $y$ happens second.

   He worked in a gas station before he became famous.

   Put out the fire before the house burns down.

   I have not been there before.

   She finished before me.

2. in front of something

   She stood before him, looking into his eyes.

3. until

   It took a few moments before I realized that she was joking.

Synonyms

• by

Antonyms

• after

Related words

• fore