Beforehand — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb or adjective adverb /bi-ˈfȯr-ˌhand/ be·fore·hand

Meaning & Definition of Beforehand

Beforehand (adverb or adjective)

  1. in anticipation
  2. in advance
  3. ahead of time, early

Beforehand (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. before the usual or expected time

    "if you arrive beforehand, we won't be entirely prepared yet"

    similar: early, inopportunely, precociously, prematurely, unseasonably
    related: immediately, instantly, presently, promptly, pronto, punctually, apropos, betimes, seasonably
    opposite: belatedly, late, tardily

  2. so as to precede something in order of time

    "if you get ready beforehand, you won't have to rush at the last minute"

    similar: afore (chiefly dialect), ahead, already, antecedently, anteriorly, before, earlier, formerly, preliminarily, previously, in advance
    related: a priori, early, prematurely, first, first off, now, before long, erelong (archaic), presently, shortly, soon
    opposite: after, afterward, later
    near: behind, by and by, next, subsequently

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Beforehand

The most common words with a similar meaning to Beforehand:

Chiefly dialect: afore
early, inopportunely, precociously, prematurely, unseasonably, ahead, already, antecedently, anteriorly, before, earlier, formerly, preliminarily, previously, in advance

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Beforehand

Words with the opposite meaning of Beforehand:

belatedly, late, tardily, after, afterward, later

Related Words for Beforehand

immediately, instantly, presently, promptly, pronto, punctually, apropos, betimes, seasonably, a priori, first, first off, now, before long, erelong, shortly, soon

Near Antonyms of Beforehand

behind, by and by, next, subsequently

Origin & Etymology of Beforehand

First known use: 13th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Beforehand

What does "Beforehand" mean?

"Beforehand" means in anticipation. As an an adverb or adjective and an adverb, it is defined as: in anticipation. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Beforehand"?

Other words for "Beforehand" include early, inopportunely, precociously, prematurely, unseasonably, afore, ahead and already. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Beforehand" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Beforehand"?

There are 33 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Beforehand". Common alternatives include early, inopportunely, precociously, prematurely, unseasonably, afore, ahead, already, antecedently and anteriorly.

What is the opposite of "Beforehand"?

Antonyms of "Beforehand" include belatedly, late, tardily, after, afterward and later. Near antonyms include behind, by and by, next and subsequently.

How do you use "Beforehand" in a sentence?

Examples of "Beforehand" in a sentence: "if you arrive beforehand, we won't be entirely prepared yet"; "if you get ready beforehand, you won't have to rush at the last minute".

Is "Beforehand" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Beforehand" can be used as an adverb or adjective and an adverb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Beforehand"?

"Beforehand" is pronounced /bi-ˈfȯr-ˌhand/ and divided into syllables as be·fore·hand.

What is the origin of the word "Beforehand"?

First known use: 13th century.