Definition

1. Preposition:

   • Earlier than: Indicates that something happens prior to a specific point in time or event.
   • In front of: Indicates a position ahead of or in the presence of someone or something.
   • In preference to; rather than: Used to indicate a choice or preference.

2. Adverb:

   • At an earlier time; previously: Refers to a time in the past.
   • In front; ahead: Refers to a position in advance.

3. Conjunction:

   • Previous to the time when: Used to introduce a clause indicating an event that precedes another.
   • Rather than; sooner than: Used to introduce a clause indicating a strong preference.

Examples of Usage

• Preposition:

  • Please arrive before 8 o'clock. (Indicating time)
  • She stood before the judge. (Indicating position/presence)
  • I would choose tea before coffee. (Indicating preference)

• Adverb:

  • I think we've met before. (Indicating a previous time)
  • The scouts went on before to check the path. (Indicating a position ahead)

• Conjunction:

  • Finish your homework before you watch TV. (Indicating time sequence)
  • He would resign before he agreed to the policy. (Indicating preference)

Advanced Usage

• "Before long": Soon; in a short time.
  • The sun will set before long.
• "To have a future/bright future before one": To have promising opportunities ahead.
  • With her talent, she has a great future before her.

Variants and Related Words

• Afore-: A prefix meaning "before" (e.g., , ), though now largely archaic or legalistic.
• Fore-: A prefix meaning "before" in time, place, or order (e.g., , ).

Synonyms

• Preposition (time): Prior to, earlier than, preceding.
• Preposition (place): In front of, ahead of.
• Adverb: Previously, earlier, formerly, already.
• Conjunction: Prior to the time that, until.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Constructions)

• Go before: To precede in time or order; to appear in front of an authority.
  • Many great leaders have gone before us.
  • The case will go before the committee next week.
• Come before: To be presented for consideration or judgment.
  • This matter will come before the board.

Related Idioms

• Before you can say Jack Robinson: Very quickly or suddenly.
  • He was out the door before you could say Jack Robinson.
• Pride comes before a fall: Being overconfident often leads to failure. (A proverb)
  • He was boasting about his success, but pride comes before a fall.
• Carry all before one: To be completely successful; to overcome all obstacles.
  • The team carried all before them and won the championship.

Adverb

1. at or in the front
   • I see the lights of a town ahead
   • the road ahead is foggy
   • staring straight ahead
   • we couldn't see over the heads of the people in front
   • with the cross of Jesus marching on before
2. earlier in time; previously
   • I had known her before
   • as I said before
   • he called me the day before but your call had come even earlier
   • her parents had died four years earlier
   • I mentioned that problem earlier