said or written before

said earlier

in front, in advance, (of a person, thing)

in front or advance of

an event or situation happening before

prior

(arriving, starting etc) before the usual or agreed time or before others

in the beginning

an eldest (child)

most senior

(of speech, writing) already mentioned

come before; previous

of an earlier period; the first (mentioned) of two people or things

previous in time or order

coming first and preparing for what follows

introductory, initial

coming earlier in time or order; before

former, prior

earlier in time, order or importance

earlier