beforehand

adverb or adjective

be·​fore·​hand bi-ˈfȯr-ˌhand 

bē-

1

a

: in anticipation

b

: in advance

2

: ahead of time : early

Synonyms

• early
• inopportunely
• precociously
• prematurely
• unseasonably

Examples of beforehand in a Sentence

if you arrive beforehand, we won't be entirely prepared yet

if you get ready beforehand, you won't have to rush at the last minute

Recent Examples on the Web

There hasn’t been a lot of public scuttlebutt around infield trade targets, but a deal can come to fruition without rumors getting out beforehand. —Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025

Don't wait for January 1: Doing the necessary research and planning beforehand can set you up for a strong start in the new year as a way of building momentum. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 31 Dec. 2024

The company website includes a safety page with advice on how to minimize risk of injury while at the park, including following all park rules, emptying pockets beforehand and only sliding down one person at a time. —Claudia Levens, Journal Sentinel, 28 Dec. 2024

Bring water, or stash water caches beforehand, as there’s no water along the route. —Graham Averill, Outside Online, 27 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

beforehand

adverb

be·​fore·​hand -ˌhand 

: ahead of time : in advance