adverb
beforehand
bih-FAW-hand
adverb
1
In advance; ahead of the time something is needed or expected to happen.
"It's much easier if you prepare the ingredients beforehand."
"Let us know beforehand if you plan to bring a guest."
How to Use Beforehand
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAhead of time, before something else happens.
Common pairings
plan beforehand
arrange beforehand
know beforehand
Word Forms
more beforehand comparative, most beforehand superlative
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It's much easier if you prepare the ingredients _____.
Etymology
From Middle English biforhand, literally "before hand" — the idea of having something ready in your hand ahead of time.