preposition Uncommon

ere

eh-uh

Ere (preposition) means Before; earlier than (an old-fashioned or literary word). Example: “He vowed to return ere nightfall.”

preposition

Before; earlier than (an old-fashioned or literary word).

"He vowed to return ere nightfall."

"Ere long, the truth came out."

conjunction

Before (something happens) — used the same old-fashioned, literary way.

"Ere she could answer, the phone rang."

How to use ere

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old-fashioned or poetic way of saying "before."

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "air" or "heir" — they sound alike but are unrelated.

When to use it

Archaic/literary — you will meet it in older poetry and fiction, not in everyday modern English.

Easily confused with

air → heir →

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Can you complete this real example?

He vowed to return _____ nightfall.

From Old English ǣr ("early, before"), the same root that gives us "early" and "erstwhile."

Origin: Old English

here were mere Pere dere Vere Gere there where Frere Shere sphere

What does “ere” mean?

The word “ere” means before; earlier than (an old-fashioned or literary word). In plain terms, an old-fashioned or poetic way of saying "before.".

How do you pronounce “ere”?

“Ere” is pronounced eh-uh (/ɛɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “ere” in a sentence?

Here is “ere” used in a sentence: “He vowed to return ere nightfall.”

What part of speech is “ere”?

Depending on how it is used, “ere” can be a preposition and a conjunction.

Where does the word “ere” come from?

The word “ere” comes from Old English. From Old English ǣr ("early, before"), the same root that gives us "early" and "erstwhile.".

Is “ere” a common word?

“Ere” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “ere” have?

“Ere” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: before; earlier than (an old-fashioned or literary word).