Beforehand Meaning
/bɪˈfɔːhænd/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
advAt an earlier or preceding time.
adjIn comfortable circumstances as regards property; forehanded.
Sentence Examples
We tried to eliminate all danger beforehand.
Let's get things ready beforehand.
It is reasonable to assume that he knew beforehand that this would happen.
CEFR Practice Quiz
He prepared all the equipment ____ to avoid any delays later.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Plan your route ____ to avoid getting lost on your long trip today.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English biforhand, biforhond, beforehonde, bifornhand, equivalent to before + hand. [13th century. After Old French avant main].
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Prosecutors also said Wednesday their side “does not intend to reference allegations that the defendant violated FARA or improperly coordinated with the Obama Administration,” referring to the Foreign Agents Registration Act, which requires people who lobby on behalf of foreign clients to register beforehand with the US government."
— 2024 August 7, Marshall Cohen, “Prosecutors claim Hunter Biden once agreed to lobby US on behalf of Romanian businessman”, in CNN:
"rich and much beforehand"
— 1626, Francis Bacon, New Atlantis:
"Agricola […] resolves to be beforehand with the danger."
— 1670, John Milton, “(please specify the page)”, in The History of Britain, that Part Especially now Call’d England. […], London: […] J[ohn] M[acock] for James Allestry, […] , →OCLC:
"The last cited author has been beforehand with me."
— 1716 April 16 (Gregorian calendar), Joseph Addison, “The Free-holder: No. 31. Thursday, April 6. [1716.]”, in The Works of the Right Honourable Joseph Addison, Esq; […], volume IV, London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], published 1721, →OCLC:
"[…] the medical attendant ought to be rather beforehand with the symptoms of excitement, and to diminish the large quantity of wine before they appear."
— 1839, London Medical Gazette: Or, Journal of Practical Medicine:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
He prepared all the equipment ____ to avoid any delays later.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Plan your route ____ to avoid getting lost on your long trip today.