antes

Antes is a word used in Spanish and Portuguese to indicate temporal precedence, roughly translating to "before" or "previous." In both languages, it functions as an adverb and as part of the construction antes de, which introduces an action that follows the reference point (for example, before doing something).

Etymology and related forms: Antes derives from Latin ante, the same root that underlies the English prefix ante-. This latent connection helps explain its broad use in Romance languages to signal prior time or sequence.

Spanish usage: In Spanish, antes can stand alone as "before" or appear in phrases such as antes de (+ infinitive) to specify what occurs earlier. Examples include Ya fue antes de la reunión (It was before the meeting) and Antes de comer, lávate las manos (Before eating, wash your hands). It can also modify adjectives or participles to indicate earlier occurrence, though the primary function remains temporal.

Portuguese usage: In Portuguese, antes has a parallel role. It appears as an adverb meaning previously and in the construction antes de (+ infinitive) to denote what happens earlier. Examples include Cheguei antes (I arrived earlier) and Antes de dormir, leia o livro (Before sleeping, read the book). The word remains common in everyday speech and formal writing alike.

Idiolect and time expressions: In both languages, antes participates in time-related expressions such as antes de Cristo (before Christ) in historical dating. In Portuguese, the standard historical abbreviation is a.C. for anterior-a.C. usage. Beyond these phrases, the word is a versatile marker of sequence and priority in discourse.