Before/bɪˈfɔːr/ Definition 1 of 6Pro Tip 1/3Physical Position Use 'before' to describe someone or something physically located ahead. The fountain stood before the entrance, welcoming visitors. Pro Tip 2/3Queue Context 'Before' indicates a person's place in line relative to yours. Three people arrived before me, so I had to wait. Pro Tip 3/3Respect and Authority Use 'before' to show submission or respect in front of someone. The knight knelt before the queen as a sign of fealty.