beforehand
bih-FAW-hand
Beforehand (adverb) means In advance; ahead of the time something is needed or expected to happen. Example: “It's much easier if you prepare the ingredients beforehand.”
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."
"I wish you had told me beforehand that the restaurant was closed."
How to use beforehand
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAhead of time, before something else happens.
Common pairings
plan beforehand
arrange beforehand
know beforehand
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more beforehand
- Superlative
- most beforehand
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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.
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “beforehand” mean?
The word “beforehand” means in advance; ahead of the time something is needed or expected to happen. In plain terms, ahead of time, before something else happens.
How do you pronounce “beforehand”?
“Beforehand” is pronounced bih-FAW-hand (/bɪˈfɔɹhænd/ in IPA).
How do you use “beforehand” in a sentence?
Here is “beforehand” used in a sentence: “It's much easier if you prepare the ingredients beforehand.”
What part of speech is “beforehand”?
“Beforehand” is an adverb.
Where does the word “beforehand” come from?
The word “beforehand” comes from Middle English. From Middle English biforhand, literally "before hand" — the idea of having something ready in your hand ahead of time.
Is “beforehand” a common word?
“Beforehand” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between beforehand and in advance?
Beforehand and in advance are close synonyms that both mean ahead of the time something is expected to happen, and they are largely interchangeable. 'In advance' is slightly more common in formal or business contexts, such as paying rent in advance, while beforehand fits equally well in everyday speech.
Is beforehand one word or two?
Beforehand is written as a single word, not as 'before hand.' Writing it as two words is a common spelling mistake.
What is the difference between beforehand and before?
Before is a general preposition or conjunction showing that one thing happens earlier than another, and it usually needs a following reference point, as in 'before dinner.' Beforehand is an adverb that stands on its own, meaning simply 'in advance,' as in 'let me know beforehand.'
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