before — at an earlier time than; in front of
Part of speech: PREPOSITION
Definition: at an earlier time than; in front of
Pronunciation (IPA): /bɪˈfɔːr/
Example Sentences
- I always brush my teeth before going to bed, unlike my lazy roommate who brushes them before going to work.
- Please finish your homework before watching TV.
- The cat sat before the mirror, probably wondering why the other cat wouldn't play with it.
before
PREPOSITION[/bɪˈfɔːr/]
at an earlier time than; in front of
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🎤Pronunciation
🇺🇸 US/bɪˈfɔːr/
🇬🇧 UK/bɪˈfɔː(r)/
🌳Etymology
Prefixbe--
Rootfore
Origin
From Old English 'beforan', combining the prefix 'be-' (by, around) with 'foran' (in front), which derives from Proto-Germanic roots meaning 'in front of' or 'ahead of'.
Breakdown
be- (by, around) + fore (in front, ahead) = before
🎵Rhyme
four
door
more
store
floor
🔗Collocations
before long
before hand
the day before
before and after
come before
appear before
📝Examples
😄 Fun example
“I always brush my teeth before going to bed, unlike my lazy roommate who brushes them before going to work.”
“Please finish your homework before watching TV.”
😄 Fun example
“The cat sat before the mirror, probably wondering why the other cat wouldn't play with it.”
“I've never seen this movie before.”
📚Related Words
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