earlier
[adverb]
Synonyms: before, already, erstwhile, formerly, heretofore, once, previously, hitherto, as yet, so far, thus far, yet, beforehand, sooner

---

English Thesaurus: before, prior to, by, earlier, previously, ...

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

before earlier than something or someone:
She could read before she started school.
Do you want to have a shower before me?
prior to formal before something happens:
Please arrive at the airport two hours prior to departure.
by no later than a particular time or date:
The children are usually in bed by 9 o'clock.
We have to be out of our hotel room by 10 o'clock.
earlier before now, or before the time you are talking about:
I saw her earlier.
I had sent the letter earlier in the week.
previously before now, or before a time in the past:
He previously worked as an electrician.
The show starred a previously unknown actress called Jennifer Aniston.
in advance before something happens – used especially when talking about the arrangements for something:
Let me know in advance if you are going to be late.
The landlord wants three months’ rent in advance.
beforehand (also ahead of time) before something happens, especially so that you are ready:
I wish we had known about all this beforehand.
It’s always best to decide beforehand how much you want to pay.

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲