- previous to; earlier or sooner than: Phone me before noon.
- in front of; ahead of; in advance of: his shadow advancing before him;She stood before the window.
- ahead of; in the future of; awaiting: The golden age is before us.
- in preference to; rather than: They would die before surrendering.
- in precedence of, as in order or rank: We put freedom before wealth.
- in the presence or sight of: to appear before an audience.
- less than; until: used in indicating the exact time: It's ten before three.
- under the jurisdiction or consideration of: He was summoned before a magistrate.
- confronted by; in the face of: Before such wild accusations, he was too stunned to reply.
- in the regard of: a crime before God and humanity.
- under the overwhelming influence of: bending before the storm.
- without figuring or deducting: income before deductions.
- in front; in advance; ahead: The king entered with macebearers walking before.
- in time preceding; previously: If we'd known before, we'd have let you know.
- earlier or sooner: Begin at noon, not before.
- previous to the time when: Send the telegram before we go.
- sooner than; rather than: I will die before I submit.
- earlier than the time when
- rather than
- preceding in space or time; in front of; ahead of
- when confronted by
- in the presence of
- in preference to
- at an earlier time; previously; beforehand; in front
