Definition & Meaning of "before"

at a time earlier than something

in front of or ahead of something or someone in space

in a position of greater importance or priority relative to something else

under the authority or judgment of a higher power or body

in front of others for a performance, presentation, or similar purpose

used to indicate confronting something directly, often in a challenging or significant way

in a position to be used

in anticipation of something that will occur later

in relation to or with regard to a specific issue, subject, or moral consideration

under the effect or control of a strong force or event

prior to any subtractions, deductions, or changes

used to show that one action is preferred over another

used to show that something happens sooner or faster than expected

used to express the time leading up to a certain event or action

used to indicate that something is done to ensure that a particular situation does not occur

used to indicate that one thing must happen for another to be possible or to occur

an image, condition, or situation that shows the state prior to a specified treatment or change