What's the difference between after and before?

After


Definition:

  • (prep.) Behind in place; as, men in line one after another.
  • (prep.) Below in rank; next to in order.
  • (a.) Next; later in time; subsequent; succeeding; as, an after period of life.
  • (a.) Hinder; nearer the rear.
  • (a.) To ward the stern of the ship; -- applied to any object in the rear part of a vessel; as the after cabin, after hatchway.
  • (prep.) Later in time; subsequent; as, after supper, after three days. It often precedes a clause. Formerly that was interposed between it and the clause.
  • (prep.) Subsequent to and in consequence of; as, after what you have said, I shall be careful.
  • (prep.) Subsequent to and notwithstanding; as, after all our advice, you took that course.
  • (prep.) Moving toward from behind; following, in search of; in pursuit of.
  • (prep.) Denoting the aim or object; concerning; in relation to; as, to look after workmen; to inquire after a friend; to thirst after righteousness.
  • (prep.) In imitation of; in conformity with; after the manner of; as, to make a thing after a model; a picture after Rubens; the boy takes after his father.
  • (prep.) According to; in accordance with; in conformity with the nature of; as, he acted after his kind.
  • (prep.) According to the direction and influence of; in proportion to; befitting.
  • (adv.) Subsequently in time or place; behind; afterward; as, he follows after.

Example Sentences:

Before


Definition:

  • (prep.) In front of; preceding in space; ahead of; as, to stand before the fire; before the house.
  • (prep.) Preceding in time; earlier than; previously to; anterior to the time when; -- sometimes with the additional idea of purpose; in order that.
  • (prep.) An advance of; farther onward, in place or time.
  • (prep.) Prior or preceding in dignity, order, rank, right, or worth; rather than.
  • (prep.) In presence or sight of; face to face with; facing.
  • (prep.) Under the cognizance or jurisdiction of.
  • (prep.) Open for; free of access to; in the power of.
  • (adv.) On the fore part; in front, or in the direction of the front; -- opposed to in the rear.
  • (adv.) In advance.
  • (adv.) In time past; previously; already.
  • (adv.) Earlier; sooner than; until then.

Example Sentences: