before

Meaning of before in English

Adverb

US /bɪˈfɔr/ UK /bɪˈfɔː/

1. at an earlier time

I lived in London before.

Conjunction

US /bɪˈfɔr/ UK /bɪˈfɔː/

1. earlier than the time when

I'll do it now before I forget.

Preposition

US /bɪˈfɔr/ UK /bɪˈfɔː/

1. in front of

It happened just before my eyes.

2. earlier than

I want to be home before dark.