ENGLISH
REFERENCE

beforehand

adv. · adj.
US //bɪˈfɔɹˌhænd// UK //bɪfˈɔːhænd// be·fore·hand
  1. 1 in advance (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    before a particular time or event happens.

    at an earlier or preceding time; in anticipation of a specific event.

    Example

    If you want to come to the party, please let me know beforehand.

    Example

    The organisers requested that all participants submit their dietary requirements beforehand to ensure the catering staff could prepare accordingly.

    Usage

    Usually placed at the end of a clause or after the verb.
    Pitfall
    I will call you before hand.
    I will call you beforehand.

    Beforehand is written as a single word, not two separate words.

  2. 2 ahead of others (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic

    being early or ahead of someone else in doing something.

    being in a state of anticipation or having done something in advance of others.

    Example

    He was always beforehand with his work, finishing every task before the deadline.

    Example

    In those days, a diligent clerk was expected to be beforehand with his accounts to avoid any suspicion of negligence.

    Teacher's tip

    This adjectival use is rare in modern speech; learners should use 'ahead of schedule' or 'prepared' instead.
    • behindhand
Origin

From Middle English biforhand, biforhond, beforehonde, bifornhand, equivalent to before + hand. [13th century. After Old French avant main].

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