adverb
beforehand
Before a particular event or action.
We buy our tickets beforehand to avoid waiting at the entrance.
Etymology
The expression developed from being “before hand,” or in advance. Hand was part of an older idiomatic way of describing a person’s position or advantage, rather than a literal reference to doing something manually.
More examples
- Please read the instructions beforehand.
- She had prepared dinner beforehand, leaving time for the guests.
- The guide warns everyone beforehand about the steep climb.
Similar words
- previously
- Refers to an earlier time without necessarily implying preparation.
- in advance
- The direct phrase for doing something before the relevant event.