before
|be-fore|
A1
🇺🇸
/bɪˈfɔr/
🇬🇧
/bɪˈfɔː/
earlier than
Etymology
Etymology Information
'before' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'beforan,' where 'be-' meant 'by' and 'foran' meant 'in front.'
Historical Evolution
'beforan' changed from Old English to the modern English word 'before.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'in front of,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'earlier than.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
at an earlier time; previously.
I have never seen this movie before.
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Antonyms
Preposition 1
in front of; ahead of; preceding in time or order.
She arrived before me.
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Antonyms
Conjunction 1
earlier than the time when.
Finish your homework before you go out.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35