before · adv
long before
C2 a long period of time before something
Dictionary examples:
I was a vegetarian long before I met Sally. (22.0)
before
A2 at an earlier time, or on a previous occasion
Dictionary examples:
My phone worked before. Now it only makes funny noises! (0.0)
I never ate sushi before. Now I eat it every day! (0.0)
I could fly before. Then I woke up from my dream! (0.0)
He said he had never seen her before. (26.9)
I feel as though I've been here before. (35.4)