beforehand

[bih-fawr-hand, -fohr-]

adverb

1. in anticipation; in advance; ahead of time.

   We should have made reservations beforehand. I hope to be beforehand with my report.

beforehand

/ bɪˈfɔːˌhænd /

adjective

1. early; in advance; in anticipation

   she came an hour beforehand

Word History and Origins

Origin of beforehand¹

First recorded in 1175–1225, beforehand is from the Middle English word bifor-hand. See before, hand

Example Sentences

Cloud cover may affect visibility, so check your local weather beforehand.

From BBC

His widow Rachel McCarthy and three children were the only people who knew of his victory beforehand.

From BBC

"They didn't announce anything beforehand, and I couldn't understand why."

From BBC

"Give us an hour's notice beforehand, and we are ready to guarantee fair, decent, safe, and equal conditions for everyone in Hungary."

From BBC

Leon Smith, from Surrey, has given his children a £50 reward for passing their exams, saying it helps them get into the right mindset beforehand.

From BBC

Related Words

• earlier www.thesaurus.com
• sooner