preface

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See also: Preface, préface, and préfacé

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Late 14th century, from Middle English preface, prefas, from Old French preface (from which derives the modern French préface), from Medieval Latin prefātia, for classical Latin praefātiō (“a saying beforehand”), from praefor (“to speak beforehand”), from prae- (“beforehand”) + for (“to speak”).

Pronunciation

  • Audio (US):(file)
  • IPA(key): /ˈpɹɛfəs/
  • Rhymes: -ɛfəs

Noun

preface (plural prefaces)

  1. The beginning or introductory portion that comes before the main text of a document or book.
    Synonyms: forespeech, foretalk, foreword, introduction, proem, prologue; see also Thesaurus:foreword
    The book included a brief preface by a leading expert in the field.
  2. An introduction, or series of preliminary remarks.
  3. (Roman Catholicism) The prelude or introduction to the canon of the Mass.
    Synonym: prelude
  4. A title or epithet.
    • 2008, W. Bruce Kippen, Lords of the Frontier
      […] a black-tie dinner to celebrate on the eve of the ceremony which would remove the preface "Sir" from his name and replace it with the preface "Lord," thought by some to be one of the most potent words in the English language.

Translations

introduction before the main text

Verb

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  1. (transitive) To introduce or make a comment before (the main point).
    Let me preface this by saying that I don't know him that well.
  2. (transitive) To give a preface to.
    to preface a book

Translations

to introduce a text

See also

Further reading

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