〜に先立って／〜に先立ち
JLPT N2にさきだって
prior to; in advance of
接続 · How it attaches
名詞／動詞辞書形 ＋ に先立って
Nuance
Formal, and explicitly *before* the main event — usually preparation for it. Where 〜にあたって is "at the time of", this is "ahead of".
Example sentences
公演に先立って、監督から挨拶があった。
Prior to the performance, the director gave an address.
Not to be confused with
- 〜にあたって／〜にあたり — Both are formal and both look forward, but 〜に先立って places the event strictly earlier in time; 〜にあたって sits at the occasion itself.