before (EN)

preposition, adverb, conjunction

preposition “before”

1. happening at an earlier time than something else
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   Finish your homework before dinner.
2. positioned earlier in a sequence or order
   In the dictionary, the word "apple" appears before "banana."
3. located in the physical space ahead of something or someone
   The majestic mountain rose before our eyes as we approached the valley.
4. in the company or sight of someone or something
   She nervously presented her project before the entire class.
5. subject to the review or control of a particular person or group
   The proposal will be laid before the committee next Thursday.
6. given priority or preference over something else
   She always puts her family's needs before her own.

adverb “before”

1. at any time up to the present moment
   She had visited the museum once before.

conjunction “before”

1. earlier than
   Finish your homework before dinner is ready.
2. preferring one action or outcome over another, often to an extreme degree
   I'd go hungry before I'd steal a loaf of bread.