To save this word, you'll need to log in.
afore·hand | \ ə-ˈfȯr-ˌhand \
Definition of aforehand
(Entry 1 of 2)
chiefly dialectal
aforehand
adjectiveafore·hand | \ ə-ˈfȯr-ˌhand \
Definition of aforehand (Entry 2 of 2)
chiefly dialectal
: ready for the future
sagacity that is aforehand with events— Samuel Richardson
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on aforehand
What made you want to look up aforehand? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
The Eponym Quiz
- Which is the best synonym of bowdlerize?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- The Eponym Quiz
Do you know these words that come from names?
Take the quiz - Liar, Liar Quiz
Test your knowledge of words for lies, liars, and those being lied to. In other words, everyone.
Take the quiz - Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz - Add Diction
Build a chain of words by adding one letter at a time.
Play the game
Share aforehand
Time Traveler for aforehand
The first known use of aforehand was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century