 |
| Language: | Old English |
| Origin: | beforan, from foran 'before', from fore; FORE- |
| |||||||||
before2 S1 W1
1 earlier than something or someone [≠ after]: 
The new road should be completed before the end of the year.Let's meet at our house before the show. Larry arrived home before me.
The new road should be completed before the end of the year.Let's meet at our house before the show.Larry arrived home before me.2 ahead of someone or something else in a list or order [≠ after]: You were before me in the queue. The files are in alphabetical order, so B1 comes before C1.
You were before me in the queue.The files are in alphabetical order, so B1 comes before C1.3 used to say that something happens where it can be watched by people : Italy will face Brazil this afternoon before a crowd of 100,000 spectators. an actor who had performed before the Queen
Italy will face Brazil this afternoon before a crowd of 100,000 spectators.an actor who had performed before the Queen4 used to say that someone or something comes to be judged or considered by a person or group of people : The proposal was put before the planning committee.
The proposal was put before the planning committee.5 used to say that one thing or person is considered more important than another : I put my wife and kids before anyone else. In the air transport business, safety must always come before profit.
I put my wife and kids before anyone else.In the air transport business, safety must always come before profit.6 formal in front of something or someone : The priest stood before the altar. The sea stretched out before them.
The priest stood before the altar.The sea stretched out before them.7 if one place is before another place on a road or journey, the first place is nearer to you than the second, so you will reach it first [≠ after]: The pub is 100m before the church on the right. the last station before the Simplon Tunnel
The pub is 100m before the church on the right.the last station before the Simplon Tunnel8 formal if there is a job or situation before you, you will have to do the job or face the situation : The task of emptying the house lay before us.
The task of emptying the house lay before us.9 formal if a period of time is before you, it is about to start and you can do what you want during it : We had a glorious summer afternoon before us to do as we pleased. You have your whole life before you.
We had a glorious summer afternoon before us to do as we pleased.You have your whole life before you.