beforehand

beforehand

adverb

Definition of BEFOREHAND

1

before the usual or expected time <if you arrive beforehand, we won't be entirely prepared yet>

Synonyms beforehand, inopportunely, precociously, prematurely, unseasonably

Related Words immediately, instantly, presently, promptly, pronto, punctually; apropos, betimes, seasonably

Antonyms belatedly, late, tardily

2

so as to precede something in order of time <if you get ready beforehand, you won't have to rush at the last minute>

Synonyms afore [chiefly dialect], already, antecedently, anteriorly, before, beforehand, earlier, formerly, preliminarily, previously

Related Words a priori, early, prematurely; first, first off, now; before long, erelong [archaic], presently, shortly, soon

Near Antonyms behind, by and by, next, subsequently

Antonyms after, afterward (or afterwards), later