In front; on the anterior or fore side; on the side opposite the back; in a position or at a point in advance; ahead.In time preceding; previously; formerly; already.In front of, in time or position; on the anterior or fore side of; in a position or at a point in advance of: as, a happy future lies before you; before the house; before the fire.In presence of; in sight of; under the cognizance, jurisdiction, or consideration of.In precedence of; in advance of, as regards rank, condition, development, etc.In preference to; rather than.Anterior to in time; previous to: as, I shall return before six o'clock.Under the action, influence, or power of.Figuratively and colloquially, in prosperous circumstances; out of debt or difficulty.Previous to the time when: formerly sometimes followed by that.Sooner than; rather than.