Word
beforehand
Phoneticsbe·fore·hand, stress on the second syllable
US/bɪˈfɔɹˌhænd/
UK/bɪfˈɔːhænd/
Adverb of time
In Japanese
Japanese from JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0. Example sentences from Tatoeba, CC BY 2.0 FR. All sources.
Definitions
01in advance
B1 · Intermediate
adv. before a particular time or event happens.
adv. at an earlier or preceding time; in anticipation of a specific event.
“If you want to come to the party, please let me know beforehand.”
“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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02ahead of others
C2 · Proficiency Archaic
adj. being early or ahead of someone else in doing something.
adj. being in a state of anticipation or having done something in advance of others.
“He was always beforehand with his work, finishing every task before the deadline.”
“In those days, a diligent clerk was expected to be beforehand with his accounts to avoid any suspicion of negligence.”
Teaching tip
This adjectival use is rare in modern speech; learners should use 'ahead of schedule' or 'prepared' instead.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“The technical report will be completed in three to six months – after the November state election – with no further contracts signed beforehand.” “The National Geographic Institute also advises people to identify safe areas and emergency exits beforehand, as well as making sure you have emergency telephone numbers.” Etymology
From Middle English biforhand, biforhond, beforehonde, bifornhand, equivalent to before + hand. [13th century. After Old French avant main].
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/beforehand