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

But many people like to register beforehand, especially online. —Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 13 Sep. 2024

As our national colleagues have noted, the widespread embrace of early voting has changed the meaning of Election Day, which is Nov. 5. Millions of voters across the country will start casting ballots beforehand. —Adam Tamburin, Axios, 11 Sep. 2024

In the infamous June debate between Trump and Joe Biden, CNN announced beforehand that moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash would not fact-check the candidates. —Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 11 Sep. 2024

Mics will be muted when a candidate is not speaking, there will be no audience or opening statements from the two candidates, and candidates will not know the questions beforehand. —Alex Perry, The Enquirer, 10 Sep. 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