preface

1 of 2

noun

pref·​ace ˈpre-fəs 

1

often capitalized : a variable doxology beginning with the Sursum Corda and ending with the Sanctus in traditional eucharistic liturgies

2

: the introductory remarks of a speaker or author

3

: approach, preliminary

preface

2 of 2

verb

prefaced; prefacing

intransitive verb

: to make introductory remarks

transitive verb

1

: to say or write as preface

a note prefaced to the manuscript

2

: precede, herald

3

: to introduce by or begin with a preface

4

: to stand in front of

a porch prefaces the entrance

5

: to be a preliminary to

prefacer noun

Synonyms

Noun

• exordium
• foreword
• intro
• introduction
• preamble
• prelude
• proem
• prologue
• prolog
• prolusion

Examples of preface in a Sentence

Noun

The book's preface was written by the author.

a noted critic has written a short preface to her story to explain some of the historical background

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In the preface, a team chart occupies the space where readers of nineteenth-century novels might expect to see a family tree. —Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2024

His preface is dated July 1, 1945, meaning it was penned only 15 days before the world-altering Trinity test occurred on July 16, 1945. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin prephatia, alteration of Latin praefation-, praefatio foreword, from praefari to say beforehand, from prae- pre- + fari to say — more at ban entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1619, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

preface

1 of 2 noun

pref·​ace ˈpref-əs 

: a section that introduces a book or a speech

preface

2 of 2 verb

prefaced; prefacing

: to introduce by or begin with a preface

prefaced the talk with a funny story