preposition · A2 · Very Often · both

before

перед

Meaning of before

earlier than or in front of

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A2Very Often

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Pronunciation
EN-UK/bɪˈfɔː/
EN-US/bɪˈfɔr/
before
before - перед
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before with Russian translation

before usage examples

🇩🇪DE🇬🇧EN

Wash your hands before dinner.

🇩🇪DE🇬🇧EN

Think before you speak.

Learn by topic

before belongs to the topic "Top 300". Start with a short 7-word set so the word is easier to remember in context.

beforevor
inin
onauf
overüber
underunter
afternach
withmit

before synonyms

Related words worth learning together

prior to
More formal than 'before'; used mainly in writing or official speech.
in front of
Used for physical position only; not for time.
by
Used for a deadline or the latest time something happens; not the same as 'before' in general.
ahead of
Can mean in front of or earlier than, but often implies being ahead in time, rank, or position.
earlier
An adverb of time; refers to an earlier moment, not a preposition.
Learn 5 related words for free
P
🇬🇧en
prior to

More formal than 'before'; used mainly in writing or official speech.

B1Often

Prior to the meeting, please read the report.

I
🇬🇧en
in front of

Used for physical position only; not for time.

A2Very Often

The car stopped in front of the house.

🇬🇧en

Used for a deadline or the latest time something happens; not the same as 'before' in general.

A2Very Often

Please finish the work by Monday.

A
🇬🇧en
ahead of

Can mean in front of or earlier than, but often implies being ahead in time, rank, or position.

B1Often

She finished ahead of the other runners.

E
🇬🇧en
earlier

An adverb of time; refers to an earlier moment, not a preposition.

A2Very Often

I arrived earlier than usual.

🇬🇧en

A formal adverb meaning 'at an earlier time' or 'before now'.

B1Often

Previously, we lived in London.

B
🇬🇧en
beforehand

Means 'in advance'; used for preparations before an event.

B1Often

Please tell me beforehand if you cannot come.

P
🇬🇧en
preceding

More formal; usually describes something that comes just before another thing in order.

B1Rarely

See the preceding chapter for details.

I
🇬🇧en
in advance of

Formal phrase meaning before a time or event; often used in official or business language.

B2Rarely

The documents were sent in advance of the deadline.

What’s the difference

Related words and lists for before

Questions about this word

before meaning: what does it mean?

earlier than or in front of

before pronunciation: how do you pronounce it?

before is pronounced as /bɪˈfɔː/. Audio is available on this page when the word has a recording.

before definition and sentence examples: how is it used in a sentence?

Wash your hands before dinner. Translation: Помой руки перед ужином.

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before - pronunciation, meaning and examples | ZapomniEnglish