Synonyms

beforehand

American

[bih-fawr-hand, -fohr-] / bɪˈfɔrˌhænd, -ˈfoʊr- /

adverb

in anticipation; in advance; ahead of time.

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

beforehand British

/ bɪˈfɔːˌhænd /

adjective

early; in advance; in anticipation

she came an hour beforehand

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of beforehand

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Each participant completed two conditions: one session after tendon vibration and another without any vibration beforehand.

From Science Daily

It is expected that the King will keep his distance during such a court case, which, unless it is settled beforehand, is due to start later in January.

From BBC

So while he sorted through emotions and memories after the game, he basked in the adulation beforehand.

From Los Angeles Times

Mike prefers last, allowing them to showcase his idol’s range beforehand.

From Los Angeles Times

We did a lot of conditioning hikes beforehand: Mt.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023