beforehand

[bih-fawr-hand, -fohr-]

adverb

1. in anticipation; in advance; ahead of time.

   We should have made reservations beforehand. I hope to be beforehand with my report.

beforehand

/ bɪˈfɔːˌhænd /

adjective

1. early; in advance; in anticipation

   she came an hour beforehand

Word History and Origins

Origin of beforehand¹

First recorded in 1175–1225, beforehand is from the Middle English word bifor-hand. See before, hand

Example Sentences

While not the “complete” deal touted beforehand, lower tariffs in exchange for a crackdown on fentanyl-related exports mark a de-escalation of tensions.

Read more on Barron's

Former Biden administration officials said Bovino had gone “rogue” and that no agency leaders knew about the operation beforehand.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Khan was in Year Nine when he stabbed Harvey, who was his former friend, in the school courtyard after the two teenagers had quarrelled over social media in the days beforehand.

Read more on BBC

Having met so many of the contestants beforehand, that could help Ross "hide out as a traitor," said TV reporter Siobhan Synnot.

Read more on BBC

Matt can remember meeting each of the hikers beforehand and noting the little quirks that might affect the excursion.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• earlier www.thesaurus.com
• sooner