Learning language
Translation language
preposition · A1 · very often · UK/US

before

before

Meaning of before

earlier than or in front of

Learn before with free cards in 30 seconds.

Check vocabulary level

10 minutes a day can add up to 3,000 words a year. Spaced flashcards bring each word back when it is time to remember it.

Free flashcards·10,000+ words in the database·scheduled reviews
How important is this word
A1very often

before fits your vocabulary level. Check your level if you are not sure.

Pronunciation
British English/bɪˈfɔː/
American English/bɪˈfɔr/
Russian transcription[ˈpʲerʲɪt]
before
before - перед
free flashcards
Learn for freeLearn 7 words from "Top 300"
Active review

How many words can you learn in a year?

If you learn 8-10 new words a day and review them regularly with flashcards, you can cover about 3,000 words in a year.

ZapomniEnglish brings words back at the right time: difficult words appear more often, familiar words less often.

Not sure what pace to start with? Check your vocabulary level and we will suggest words for your level.

We count words you add to learning and review regularly. Active use grows gradually and depends on practice.

How many words you can add to active review
PacePer dayPer yearBest for
Easy3 words≈ 1,100 wordsstarting without pressure
Balanced5 words≈ 1,800 wordssteady growth
Recommended8 words≈ 2,900 wordsaround 3,000 words a year
Fast10 words≈ 3,650 wordsvisible vocabulary growth
Intensive15 words≈ 5,500 wordsstrong motivation

before with Russian translation

before usage examples

🇷🇺Russian🇬🇧English

Помой руки перед ужином.

Wash your hands before dinner.

🇷🇺Russian🇬🇧English

Думай перед тем, как говорить.

Think before you speak.

Learn by topic

before belongs to the topic "Top 300". Start with a short 7-word set so the word is easier to remember in context.

beforeперед
inв
onна
overнад
underпод
afterпосле
betweenмежду

before synonyms

Related word breakdowns

What's the difference between before / prior to / in front of / by / ahead of / earlier

🇬🇧English
before

The same word as the headword; indicates earlier time or position in front of.

A2Very Often

I had seen him before.

Я видел его раньше.

P
🇬🇧English
prior to

More formal than 'before'; used mainly in writing or official speech.

B1Often

Prior to the meeting, please read the report.

До встречи, пожалуйста, прочитайте отчёт.

I
🇬🇧English
in front of

Used for physical position only; not for time.

A2Very Often

The car stopped in front of the house.

Машина остановилась перед домом.

🇬🇧English

Used for a deadline or the latest time something happens; not the same as 'before' in general.

A2Very Often

Please finish the work by Monday.

Пожалуйста, закончите работу к понедельнику.

A
🇬🇧English
ahead of

Can mean in front of or earlier than, but often implies being ahead in time, rank, or position.

B1Often

She finished ahead of the other runners.

Она финишировала раньше других бегунов.

E
🇬🇧English
earlier

An adverb of time; refers to an earlier moment, not a preposition.

A2Very Often

I arrived earlier than usual.

Я пришёл раньше обычного.

🇬🇧English

A formal adverb meaning 'at an earlier time' or 'before now'.

B1Often

Previously, we lived in London.

Раньше мы жили в Лондоне.

B
🇬🇧English
beforehand

Means 'in advance'; used for preparations before an event.

B1Often

Please tell me beforehand if you cannot come.

Пожалуйста, скажите мне заранее, если не сможете прийти.

P
🇬🇧English
preceding

More formal; usually describes something that comes just before another thing in order.

B1Rarely

See the preceding chapter for details.

См. предыдущую главу для подробностей.

I
🇬🇧English
in advance of

Formal phrase meaning before a time or event; often used in official or business language.

B2Rarely

The documents were sent in advance of the deadline.

Документы были отправлены заранее до срока.

What's the difference

Related words and lists for before

How to pronounce before and what this word means

before translation: перед. This page includes translation, pronunciation, transcription, audio, usage examples and related words.

how to pronounce before

/bɪˈfɔː/

before translation

перед

before examples

Wash your hands before dinner.

before transcription

/bɪˈfɔː/, /bɪˈfɔr/

How this dictionary entry is reviewed

ZapomniEnglish prepares dictionary data automatically, then the editorial workflow checks high-frequency words, top lists, and pages that already receive search impressions first.

Translation and meaningPronunciation and transcriptionExamples, synonyms, and topics

Questions about this word

before meaning: what does it mean?

earlier than or in front of

before pronunciation: how do you pronounce it?

before is pronounced as /bɪˈfɔː/. Audio is available on this page when the word has a recording.

before definition and sentence examples: how is it used in a sentence?

Wash your hands before dinner. Translation: Помой руки перед ужином.

Audio practiceExamplesSmart repeats

Learn before in your vocabulary

Add this word to practice, repeat it with audio, examples and your own word lists.