before

/bɪˈfɔː/prep
Middle School
1

Earlier than (in time).

2

In front of in space.

3

In the presence of.

4

Under consideration, judgment, authority of (someone).

5

In store for, in the future of (someone).

6

In front of, according to a formal system of ordering items.

7

At a higher or greater position than, in a ranking.

Sound Patterns & Rhymes

Rhymes

Words that share the same ending sound pattern

Alliteration

Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)

Assonance

Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing

Consonance

Words sharing similar consonant sound patterns — adds texture and cohesion to writing