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

This could be for the April, June or October deadline, but make sure it is filed beforehand. —Nathalie Goldstein, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Joanna and Ed, who’ve been married for 20 years, had already traveled the world extensively, both together and separately, beforehand. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024

The auction will be held Nov. 18-22 in Costa Mesa with lot viewing beforehand Nov. 12-15 at the Whitman Winter Expo. —Samantha Gowen, Orange County Register, 4 Nov. 2024

Applying oil beforehand creates a protective layer that reduces this loss, helping to preserve the skin’s natural lipid barrier. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 30 Oct. 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