before

preposition , conjunction , & adverb

• 1during the period of time preceding (a particular event or time): [as preposition]:she had to rest before dinner the day before yesterday [as conjunction]:they lived rough for four days before they were arrested [as adverb]:his playing days had ended six years before it’s never happened to me before

• 2in front of: [as preposition]:Matilda stood before her, panting [as adverb]: archaictrotting through the city with guards running before and behind
• [preposition] in front of and required to answer to (a court of law, tribunal, or other authority):he could be taken before a magistrate for punishment

• 3in preference to; rather than: [as preposition]:a woman who placed duty before all else [as conjunction]:they would die before they would cooperate with each other