The word “before” is a common English word that is used in various contexts. It is a preposition and adverb that has different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. This article aims to provide a comprehensive definition and meaning of the word “before.”
Definitions
Before is a preposition that means “in front of” or “ahead of.” It is also used to indicate time, meaning “prior to” or “earlier than.” As an adverb, it means “previously” or “in advance.”
Origin
The word “before” has its roots in the Old English word “beforan,” which means “in front of” or “preceding.” It has been used in the English language since the 9th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “before” means “in front of” or “ahead of” and is used to indicate time, meaning “prior to” or “earlier than.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “in advance” or “previously.”
Associations
The word “before” is often associated with time, as it is commonly used to indicate the order of events. It is also associated with position and location, as it is used to describe the position of an object in relation to another.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of “before” include “in front of,” “prior to,” “ahead of,” “previously,” and “earlier than.”
Antonyms
Some antonyms of “before” include “after,” “behind,” “later than,” and “subsequent to.”
The Same Root Words Before
The word “before” shares its root with other words such as “foremost,” “foresee,” and “foretell,” which all have the prefix “fore-,” meaning “in front of” or “ahead of.”
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the word “before”:
- I had never been to Paris before.
- Please arrive 10 minutes before the meeting starts.
- The sun rose before the moon set.
- He had seen the movie before, but he watched it again anyway.