before

- adverb (adv)

Meaning: earlier

Synonyms: afore aforetime ahead ante antecedently anteriorly back before present ere fore former formerly forward gone gone by heretofore in advance in days of yore in front in old days in the past past precendently previous previously since sooner up to now

- preposition (prep)

Meaning: earlier than

Synonyms: ahead of ante antecedent to anterior to ere in advance of in front of preceding previous to prior to since