aforehand

1 of 2

adverb

afore·​hand
ə-ˈfȯr-ˌhand
chiefly dialectal
: beforehand

aforehand

2 of 2

adjective

afore·​hand
ə-ˈfȯr-ˌhand
chiefly dialectal
: ready for the future
sagacity that is aforehand with events—Samuel Richardson

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Middle English aforhonde, aforhand, from afor afore + hond, hand hand entry 1

Adjective

derivative of aforehand entry 1

First Known Use

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1533, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aforehand was in the 14th century

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Dictionary Entries Near aforehand

afore

aforehand

aforementioned

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Aforehand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aforehand. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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