English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word "come before" in English

What does "come before" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

come before

US /kʌm bɪˈfɔːr/
UK /kʌm bɪˈfɔːr/
"come before" picture

Phrasal Verb

1.

to be more important than something else

Example:
•
Safety should always come before speed.
•
His family will always come before his career.
Synonym:
precedeoutranktake precedence overbe more important thantake priority over
2.

to happen or exist earlier than something else

Example:
•
The invention of the wheel came before written language.
•
In the alphabet, 'B' comes before 'C'.
Synonym:
precedeantedatego before
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Related Word:
beforecomecome incomelycome bycome in forcome into