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before the fact
/bɪˈfɔːr ðə fækt/
prior to an event
She signed the contract before the fact that prices would rise.
She signed the contract before knowing that prices would increase.
formal
at an earlier time than something happens
The decision was made before the fact that the market would crash.
The decision was made prior to learning about the market crash.
He agreed to the terms before the fact that delivery would be delayed.
He agreed to the terms without knowing delivery would be delayed.
Often used in legal, financial, or formal contexts to emphasize prior knowledge or action.
Collocations
before the fact agreementan arrangement made prior to an eventbefore the fact knowledgeawareness existing prior to an event
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'after the fact'
Remember that 'before the fact' refers to prior knowledge or action, while 'after the fact' refers to actions taken after an event has occurred.
Gold Rule
Use in formal contexts
This phrase is best suited for legal, financial, or formal writing. Avoid using it in casual speech.
Word Origin
The phrase combines 'before' (Old English 'befor', meaning 'in front of') and 'fact' (from Latin 'factum', meaning 'deed' or 'event'). The phrase has been used in English since at least the 17th century to describe actions or knowledge preceding an event.
Usage Notes
This phrase is typically used in formal or legal contexts to describe actions, decisions, or knowledge that existed prior to a specific event. It is not commonly used in casual conversation.
Word Breakdown
before
earlier than
prepositionthe fact
the event or reality
noun phraseEnglish Dictionary