beforehand

Everyday

Beforehand means earlier, before something else happens, often to get ready. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and safety, children are told to check things beforehand: tell an adult beforehand where you are going, read the instructions beforehand, go to the toilet beforehand. In science experiments, you make a prediction beforehand and test it afterwards. In maths word problems, «beforehand» marks the amount at the start. Opposite: afterwards.

Examples

• Wash your hands beforehand. tree →
• Tell your parents beforehand where you are going. tree →
• I made a prediction beforehand. tree →
• We practised beforehand so the play went well. tree →
• Go to the toilet beforehand, because the trip is long. tree →
• She had 20 marbles beforehand and 14 afterwards, so she lost 6. tree →
• Read the questions beforehand. tree →
• If you can't come, let us know beforehand. tree →
• Vasilissa went into her little closet, set before the doll a supper which she had provided beforehand, and said: tree →

Note

One word. It comes at the end of a sentence or clause and does not take an object: «I did it beforehand», not «beforehand the party» (say «before the party»). Opposite: afterwards (UK) or afterward (US). In maths, the amount «beforehand» is the starting number.

In Jewish tradition

In everyday life and safety, children are told to check things beforehand: tell an adult beforehand where you are going, read the instructions beforehand, go to the toilet beforehand. In science experiments, you make a prediction beforehand and test it afterwards. In maths word problems, «beforehand» marks the amount at the start. Opposite: afterwards.

Examples

• Who hath given Me anything beforehand, that I should repay him? (Writings JOB.41.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• Therefore I fled beforehand unto Tarshish; for I knew that Thou art a gracious God, and compassionate, long-suffering, and abundant in mercy, and repentest Thee of the evil. (Prophets JON.4.2, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

One word. It comes at the end of a sentence or clause and does not take an object: «I did it beforehand», not «beforehand the party» (say «before the party»). Opposite: afterwards (UK) or afterward (US). In maths, the amount «beforehand» is the starting number.