preface

¹pref·ace

noun \ˈpre-fəs\

Definition of PREFACE

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

Examples of PREFACE

1. The book's preface was written by the author.
2. <a noted critic has written a short preface to her story to explain some of the historical background>

Origin of PREFACE

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PREFACE

Synonyms

exordium, foreword, intro, preamble, introduction, prelude, proem, prologue (also prolog), prolusion

Antonyms

epilogue (also epilog)

Related Words

beginning, commencement, initiation, opening, origin, origination, outset, start

Near Antonyms

envoi (or envoy), postscript; aftermath; cessation, close, closing, conclusion, end, finale, finish, stop, termination

Other Printing Terms

epigraph, errata, leader, mechanical, notch, tittle, underscore, widow

²preface

verb

pref·acedpref·ac·ing

Definition of PREFACE

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

— pref·ac·er noun

First Known Use of PREFACE

1619