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prima

before; first; earlier

adverb PREE-mah Common
Time Time Expressions

Origin: Latin prima (first, feminine of primus)

Usage Note

Prima as an adverb means 'before' or 'earlier' — è arrivato prima (he arrived earlier). As a preposition it is always followed by di: prima di partire (before leaving), prima delle tre (before three o'clock). Do not confuse with the adjective primo/prima (first in sequence). The phrase prima o poi means 'sooner or later'.

Examples

"Finisci i compiti prima di cena."

Natural Translation

Finish your homework before dinner.

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