1.
prior to; before; in advance of
A formal expression indicating that one action or event occurs before another. Used to set temporal context, especially for preparatory actions taken before a main event.
A formal expression meaning "prior to" or "before," typically used in written language, speeches, and business settings. Composed of the particle に, the verb 先立つ (to precede), in its te-form.
Forms
- に先立って: te-form — most common
- に先立ち: conjunctive form — slightly more formal
- に先立つ + noun: attributive form (e.g., 出発に先立つ準備)
Usage
The expression takes a noun before に, indicating the main event. The clause after に先立って describes the preparatory action. Often used in news reports, formal announcements, and ceremony contexts.