dinnanzi
before
adverb deen-NAHN-tsee Rare
Origin: From di + innanzi, itself from Latin in + ante (before).
Also means
in front of
Usage Note
Dinnanzi is a formal or literary synonym for davanti (in front of) and prima (before). It can function as an adverb or preposition: dinnanzi al re (before the king), dinnanzi a noi (in front of us). In everyday speech, davanti is preferred; dinnanzi appears mainly in writing or elevated register.
Examples
"Si fermò dinnanzi alla porta del castello."
Natural Translation
He stopped before the door of the castle.
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