beforehand
Americanadverb
adjective
Etymology
Origin of beforehand
First recorded in 1175–1225, beforehand is from the Middle English word bifor-hand. See before, hand
Vocabulary lists containing beforehand
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.
So, I went to scout it out beforehand — and I almost couldn’t believe my eyes.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 13, 2026
Women fast for six to eight hours beforehand and then drink water for 45 minutes during this gut test.
From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026
It was a case of “travel and arrive’” for the stock whereby investors expected strong results beforehand and were positioned for it, triggering profit-taking.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 7, 2026
Instead, they learned only two separate things beforehand: that the blue flower provided a reward and that the ball was a movable, harmless object.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 3, 2026
We knew beforehand that Miss Whitlaw did not have any money she could lend out, for Robin’s college money was sacred and untouchable even if we were inclined to ask.
From "Dragonwings" by Laurence Yep
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
