It can be used in a variety of contexts:
* Before a time or event: "Avant le dîner" (Before dinner)
* Before a place: "Avant la gare" (Before the station)
* Before a specific action: "Avant de partir" (Before leaving)
* In the sense of "in front of": "Avant la maison" (In front of the house)
It's important to note that "avant" can also be part of compound words, like:
* Avant-garde: Avant-garde art, meaning "advance guard" in the sense of being at the forefront of artistic movements.
* Avant-propos: An introduction or preface to a book or speech.
* Avant-première: A preview or premiere screening of a film.
The specific meaning of "avant" depends on the context of the sentence.