What's the difference between against and before?

Against


Definition:

  • (prep.) Abreast; opposite to; facing; towards; as, against the mouth of a river; -- in this sense often preceded by over.
  • (prep.) From an opposite direction so as to strike or come in contact with; in contact with; upon; as, hail beats against the roof.
  • (prep.) In opposition to, whether the opposition is of sentiment or of action; on the other side; counter to; in contrariety to; hence, adverse to; as, against reason; against law; to run a race against time.
  • (prep.) By of before the time that; in preparation for; so as to be ready for the time when.

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: