beforehand

== English == === Alternative forms === before-hand (archaic) === Etymology === From Middle English biforhand, biforhond, beforehonde, bifornhand, equivalent to before +‎ hand. [13th century. After Old French avant main]. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /bɪˈfɔːhænd/ (General American) IPA(key): /bɪˈfɔɹhænd/ (rhotic, without the horse–hoarse merger) IPA(key): /bɪˈfo(ː)ɹhænd/ (non-rhotic, without the horse–hoarse merger) IPA(key): /bɪˈfoəhænd/ Hyphenation: be‧fore‧hand === Adverb === beforehand (not comparable) At an earlier or preceding time. Synonyms: in advance, upfront, (nonstandard) prehand Antonyms: afterwards, (archaic) afterhand ==== Translations ==== === Adjective === beforehand (comparative more beforehand, superlative most beforehand) (obsolete) In comfortable circumstances as regards property; forehanded. (archaic, often followed by with) In a state of anticipation or preoccupation. ==== Derived terms ==== beforehand in the world, beforehand with the world