Pronunciation: [kˈʌm bɪfˈɔː] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "come before" represents a common case of word blending. In IPA, "come" is transcribed as /kʌm/ and "before" as /bɪˈfɔːr/. When these two words are combined, the "e" in "come" is dropped to form "com" and the "e" in "before" is changed to "be" to create "com-before". This phonetic transformation is also known as apocope, where some letters/morphemes are dropped in the process of blending words.
The phrase "come before" is a compound verb that can have different meanings depending on the context. Generally, it refers to an action or event preceding another in time, order, or importance.
When used in a sequential sense, "come before" suggests that something or someone is prior or earlier in a particular sequence. This could be in terms of events, when one occurrence happens before another. For example, "Lunch comes before dinner." Here, lunch is an earlier meal compared to dinner.
In a hierarchical or preferential sense, "come before" pertains to having superior or greater precedence over something or someone else. For instance, "Family always comes before work." In this scenario, the importance or priority of family is emphasized over work commitments.
The phrase may also convey a legal definition, indicating that a case or matter is presented earlier or brought in front of a court or jurisdiction prior to another. In this context, it implies being heard or considered first.
Another application of "come before" is in relation to the act of appearing in front of someone or something, like an audience or a presiding authority. For example, "She must come before the judge to state her case." Here, it implies presenting oneself or being present in a specified setting to address an issue or subject.
In summary, "come before" generally encompasses the notions of precedence, priority, sequence, and appearance, depending on the context in which it is used.
The etymology of the phrase come before can be traced back to Old English.
The word come derives from the Old English word cuman which means to move or approach. It has cognates in other Germanic languages such as Old Frisian kuma, Old High German queman, and Old Norse koma.
The word before comes from the Old English word beforan, which combines the prefix be-, indicating in front of, and the root foran, meaning in front. This word has cognates in other Germanic languages like Old Frisian befara, Old High German bihfara, and Old Norse fyrir.
The phrase come before combines these two Old English words, and it essentially means to move or approach in front of or to precede.
