meaning of expression "way before"

[Ahmadov.]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #241 "Interactive worksheets (2)", question 1

The hunting dogs sensed the ......... danger way before the hunters were able to see the approaching predators.

(a) eminent
(b) imminent
(c) immanent
(d) elicit

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #241 "Interactive worksheets (2)", answer 1

The hunting dogs sensed the imminent danger way before the hunters were able to see the approaching predators.

Correct answer: (b) imminent

Your answer was: correct
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"way before" I cannot find any dictionary to give the exact meaning of this expression. Could you help, please?

Ahmadov

[Yankee]

Hi

The word way is used informally as an adverb:
http://www.bartleby.com/61/43/W0064300.html

"Way before" means "long before" or "a long time before" in this sentence.

Amy

[Alan]

Hi,

It's the sort of remark made say by a grandfather to a grandson:

All that happened of course way before you were born.

A
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