before
Translation
before
Examples
I'll see you before lunch.
I'll see you before lunch.
I've never seen that movie before.
I've never seen that film before.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Grammar Patterns
before ((sth./-ing)) (preposition) earlier than (sth.) He arrived before me.
... before (adverb) at an earlier time I have been here before.
... before ((clause)) (conjunction) earlier than the time that Look both ways before you cross the street.
Similar Words
Synonyms: prior to, earlier than; Antonyms: after, behind
Etymology
From Old English 'bi-' (by) + 'foran' (in front).
Memory Tips
Think of 'fore' as in 'forehead' (the front of your head). It indicates position or time in front of something.