easy
Wash your hands before lunch.
What does Before mean?
Before means earlier than something else.
Dictionary definition
Earlier than a time, event, or place in order.
Example sentences
Before in a sentence
medium
Read the question before you answer.
hard
The team made a plan before beginning the project.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice before in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Before
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does before mean?
Before means earlier than something else.
Practice 2
Which word or phrase is closest in meaning to before?
Earlier is closest because it connects to this meaning: Before means earlier than something else.
Practice 3
Which word or phrase is a useful contrast to before?
After is a useful contrast because before means: Before means earlier than something else.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Before
Voice settings
Sounds like
bih · for · strongest beat: for
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordBefore.
Partpreposition, adverb.
MeaningBefore means earlier than something else.
ExampleExample: Wash your hands before lunch.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- bih · for
- Strongest beat
- for
- Ending
- for
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on for.
Your turn
Say Before
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Nice work—you practiced before.
Synonyms
Words like Before
earlierHappening first in time.
previouslyAt a time before now.
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice before synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "We arrived before the bell rang," then compare close word choices. Practice before synonyms.
Word family
Before word family
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Before
Hint for students
Before means earlier than something else.
Common mix-up
Before tells time or order. It does not mean behind in place.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: Read the question before you answer. Clue words: read, question, you. Underline clue words that show why before fits instead of after. Now write one new sentence that shows before without using the word before. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show before?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "Read the question before you answer." Why does before fit better than after?
Learning activities
Practice Before and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice BEFORE” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice BEFORE
Sentence Builder
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