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.

In front of, in time or position; on the anterior or fore side of; in a position or at a point in advance of: as, a happy future lies before you; before the house; before the fire.

Master the complete guide to using "before" in English. Learn its 3 grammatical roles, avoid common mistakes, and understand when to use before vs ago. Essential grammar knowledge explained clearly.

What is Before? General knowledge about Before in English I. Defining Core Meaning and Purpose of Before in English The word before in English fundamentally indicates precedence in time or position, serving as one of English's most essential sequencing words. Before /bɪˈfɔːr/ means " earlier " or " prior to." It is used in sentences in various roles, such as an adverb, preposition, or ...

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.

The word before comes from the Old English beforan, meaning “in front of” or “in former times.” Before tells when something happens — don’t hire that guy before you check his references — or the position of something: the library is the last building before the intersection.