Phrase guide

before someone's time

prep_phrase · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

From before one was born or old enough to be aware of the world.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I don't know — that was before my time

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

prep_phrase

Meaning 2

At a stage in one's life, development, etc. that seems premature.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • dead before his time

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

8 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: ajalta ennen jotakuta — from before one was born or old enough to be aware of the world
  • German: vor jemandes Zeit — from before one was born or old enough to be aware of the world
  • Polish: przed czasem — from before one was born or old enough to be aware of the world
  • Finnish: ennen aikojaan — at a stage that seems premature
  • Finnish: ennenaikaisesti — at a stage that seems premature
  • Polish: przed czasem — at a stage that seems premature
  • Polish: za wcześnie — at a stage that seems premature
  • Swedish: före sin tid — at a stage that seems premature