BEFORE


Meaning of BEFORE in English

I. adverb

1.

so as to precede something in order or time

racing on before to give warning

Synonyms: ahead, ante, antecedently, beforehand, fore, forward, in advance, precedently, previous

Contrasted words: behind; abaft, aft, astern

Antonyms: after

2.

in time past

had heard that joke before

Synonyms: already, earlier, erstwhile, formerly, heretofore, once, previously; compare then 1

Antonyms: after

3.

until now or then

you'll get it tomorrow and not before

Synonyms: beforehand, earlier, sooner

II. preposition

1.

coming before in space or time

be home before dark

Synonyms: ahead of, ante, ere, in advance of, preceding, prior to, to; compare until

Contrasted words: since, subsequent to

Antonyms: after

2.

in the presence of

stood before the court

Synonyms: confronting, facing

Idioms: face to face with

3.

Synonyms: until , in advance of, prior to, till, to, up till, up to

Merriam Webster. Collegiate thesaurus English vocabulary.      Английский энциклопедический словарь тезаурус.