How Do You Spell BEFORE TIME?

Pronunciation: [bɪfˌɔː tˈa͡ɪm] (IPA)

The correct spelling of this phrase is "before time," with the /bɪˈfɔːr taɪm/ pronunciation. It means that something occurred or was done earlier than expected or before it was supposed to happen. The word "before" is spelled with the vowel sound /ɪ/ as in "bit" and the consonant sound /f/ as in "flute." The word "time" is spelled with the diphthong /aɪ/ as in "eye" and the consonant sound /m/ as in "man." Together, they make up this frequently used phrase in English.

BEFORE TIME Meaning and Definition

1. Before time is an idiomatic expression that refers to an action, event, or occurrence taking place earlier than expected or anticipated. It signifies the notion of happening in advance, ahead of schedule, or prematurely. The phrase encompasses a sense of surprise or irregularity, as it implies something occurring before it was supposed to.

   Often used figuratively, before time can describe actions or situations that deviate from the norm or happen unexpectedly, catching people off guard. It can refer to occurrences that disrupt or violate the usual order of events, thereby creating confusion or requiring adjustments.

   Furthermore, before time can denote actions or behaviors that express a remarkable or outstanding level of accomplishment. In this context, it refers to achievements achieved prior to what was anticipated, exceeding expectations or happening earlier than what is commonly perceived as standard.

   The term before time is frequently used in various domains, such as sports, entertainment, business, and science, to highlight excellence, unparalleled performance, or unexpected successes. It emphasizes actions or events that are extraordinary in nature or that surpass what is usually experienced or expected at a given moment.

   In summary, before time represents an action or occurrence that happens earlier than anticipated or before the customary point, carrying connotations of surprise, irregularity, or superiority.

2. Formerly; of old time.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for BEFORE TIME

• vefore time
• nefore time
• hefore time
• gefore time
• bwfore time
• bsfore time
• bdfore time
• brfore time
• b4fore time
• b3fore time
• bedore time
• becore time
• bevore time
• begore time
• betore time
• berore time
• befire time
• befkre time
• beflre time
• befpre time

Etymology of BEFORE TIME

The phrase "before time" does not have a specific etymology because it is a combination of two common words: "before" and "time".

- "Before" originated from the Old English word "biforan", which means "in front of" or "in preference to". It evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "bi-" meaning "by" and the root "foran" meaning "in front", ultimately stemming from the Proto-Indo-European "per-" meaning "away".

- "Time" originated from the Old English word "tīma", which refers to "a period" or "a duration". It evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "tīmô" or "tīmôną", which means "time" or "honor".

Idioms with the word BEFORE TIME

• not before time The idiom "not before time" means that something is happening at long last or later than it should have. It can be used to express relief or satisfaction that an overdue event or action is finally taking place.
• be before time To be before time means to be early or ahead of schedule.
• (and) not before time! This idiom is used to express the belief that something has happened at the right time or is long overdue. It suggests that the action or event was necessary and overdue.
• before time The idiom "before time" refers to something happening earlier or prior to the expected or planned time. It can also be used to describe an event or action that takes place prematurely or ahead of schedule.