In preference to; rather than. Anterior to in time; previous to: as, I shall return before six o'clock. Under the action, influence, or power of. Figuratively and colloquially, in prosperous circumstances; out of debt or difficulty. Previous to the time when: formerly sometimes followed by that. Sooner than; rather than.

The meaning of BEFORE is in advance : ahead. How to use before in a sentence.

Before is a preposition, an adverb and a conjunction. Before means earlier than the time or event mentioned: …

1. In advance of the time when: See me before you leave. 2. Rather than; sooner than: I will die before I will betray my country.

Synonym: previously Antonym: after I've never done this before. This achievement far exceeded anything that had come before.

Definition of BEFORE in the Definitions.net dictionary. Meaning of BEFORE. What does BEFORE mean? Information and translations of BEFORE in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web.

There are 38 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word before, four of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

adv. in front; in advance; ahead: The king entered with macebearers walking before. in time preceding; previously: If we'd known before, we'd have let you know. earlier or sooner: Begin at noon, not before. conj. previous to the time when: Send the telegram before we go. sooner than; rather than: I will die before I submit.