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dinnanzi

before

adverb deen-NAHN-tsee Rare
Grammar & Structure Prepositions

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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