BEFOREHAND

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does beforehand mean? 

• BEFOREHAND (adjective)
  The adjective BEFOREHAND has 1 sense:

1. being ahead of time or need

  Familiarity information: BEFOREHAND used as an adjective is very rare.

• BEFOREHAND (adverb)
  The adverb BEFOREHAND has 1 sense:

1. ahead of time; in anticipation

  Familiarity information: BEFOREHAND used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• BEFOREHAND (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Being ahead of time or need

Synonyms:

advance; beforehand

Context example:

was beforehand with her report

Similar:

early (at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time)

• BEFOREHAND (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Ahead of time; in anticipation

Synonyms:

ahead; beforehand; in advance

Context example:

should have made reservations beforehand

 Context examples 

If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other or ever so similar beforehand, it does not advance their felicity in the least.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

The seamen were all provided with cordage, which I had beforehand twisted to a sufficient strength.

(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)

Tents, lunch, and croquet utensils having been sent on beforehand, the party was soon embarked, and the two boats pushed off together, leaving Mr. Laurence waving his hat on the shore.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

I had arranged the visit, beforehand, with Miss Lavinia; and Agnes was expected to tea.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

He clearly had studied beforehand all he could get on the subject of the neighbourhood, for he evidently at the end knew very much more than I did.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

And when he does, Mary, you may depend upon hearing my opinion; but I am determined not to judge him beforehand.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

"What! is there more? But I will not believe it to be anything important. I warn you of incredulity beforehand. Go on."

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

I have no doubt of his having, at times, considerable influence; but it may be perfectly impossible for him to know beforehand when it will be.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

Do you mean, then, that your brother knew of the necklace beforehand?

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

But I hope your friend's accounts have been exaggerated; and if such a design is known beforehand, proper measures will undoubtedly be taken by government to prevent its coming to effect.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)