beforehand

[ bih-fawr-hand, -fohr- ]

adverb

1. in anticipation; in advance; ahead of time:

   We should have made reservations beforehand. I hope to be beforehand with my report.

beforehand

/ bɪˈfɔːˌhænd /

adjective

1. early; in advance; in anticipation

   she came an hour beforehand

Word History and Origins

Origin of beforehand¹

First recorded in 1175–1225, beforehand is from the Middle English word bifor-hand. See before, hand

Example Sentences

As does the decision to tell Joel the plan beforehand.

From Los Angeles Times

It advises people to research thoroughly beforehand, including checking the credibility of the clinic and getting information about the most common complications of the procedure.

From BBC

Other regulars at the cafe tell the BBC that the quality is good, prices are low, and it's convenient to grab groceries beforehand.

From BBC

Some of this work had been planned — and permitted — beforehand, including moving 40 miles of line underground in Altadena and doing likewise with 80 miles in the Palisades area, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

In contrast, those that had been exposed to the seasonal flu beforehand had virus only in the respiratory tract — and at pretty low levels.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• earlier
• sooner