ere

[ air ]

preposition

1. before.

ere

/ ɛə /

conjunction

1. a poetic word for before

Word History and Origins

Origin of ere¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English ǣr, ēr (cognate with German ehr ), comparative of ār soon, early; cognate with Gothic air. See erst, early

Word History and Origins

Origin of ere¹

Old English ǣr; related to Old Norse ār early, Gothic airis earlier, Old High German ēr earlier, Greek eri early

Example Sentences

Three times,” he says angrily, “thou shalt betray me ere the cock crows.

From The Daily Beast

Perhaps you will understand now that you ought to have asked my business ere you proposed to hang me off hand.

From Project Gutenberg

The pool was drained in 1866, and, having been filled up, its site will ere long be covered with streets of houses.

From Project Gutenberg

It burst upon them ere long with awful fury and grandeur, the elements warring with incredible vehemence.

From Project Gutenberg

A month later, he turned sharp round, ere half a morning walk was completed, and stumped back to the house.

From Project Gutenberg

"I supposed you 'adn't, as 'e ain't 'ere, with yer ma," replied the young person.

From Project Gutenberg