preface

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noun pref·ace \ 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

See preface defined for English-language learners

See preface defined for kids

Examples of preface in a Sentence

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 of preface from the Web

Copland served as a preface to Beethoven’s Symphony No.

— mark swed, latimes.com, "Dudamel and Beethoven — and Vin Scully — for the common man," 14 July 2017
Preface with: Thinking this is dead, or going to die, or has no chance is a bad idea.

— phil mattingly and lauren fox, CNN, "Senate GOP health care bill vote: Not in a good place, but McConnell may find a path," 26 June 2017
In his preface, Rothstein writes that America has a constitutional obligation to remedy de jure segregation in housing, and that its story must be told.

— david oshinsky, New York Times, "A Powerful, Disturbing History of Residential Segregation in America," 20 June 2017
As Christopher Tolkien writes in his preface, these two lovers were very close to his father’s heart.

— josephine livingstone, New Republic, "J.R.R. Tolkien’s Love Story," 14 June 2017
Seeley is listed as a co-author of the case, which includes a preface in the introduction that serves as a warning label of sorts for the mock trialers.

— Courant Community, "National Championships Explore Fictional Murder Set In Hartford," 13 May 2017
Gaiman wrote in a preface to the 10th Anniversary Edition of the book.

— joanna robinson, VanityFair.com, "American Gods: Unlocking the 7 Most Baffling Mysteries of That Premiere," 30 Apr. 2017
Gaiman wrote in a preface to the 10th Anniversary Edition of the book.

— vanityfair.com, VanityFair.com, "American Gods: Unlocking the 7 Most Baffling Mysteries of That Premiere," 30 Apr. 2017
Things started softly, with a three-round preface: Golovkin stalked Jacobs with his fists up, as predatory as a portrait photographer, trying to create the perfect frame for the perfect shot.

— kelefa sanneh, The New Yorker, "Have We Already Seen the Best of the Boxer Known as Triple G?," 20 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'preface.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology 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

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First Known Use: 14th century

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preface Synonyms

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

preface

verb

Definition of preface

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

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prefacer

noun

See preface defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of preface from the Web

The song, which is prefaced in the music video with a desperate-sounding monologue in Kesha’s voice, is smooth and soulful.

— sara m moniuszko, USA TODAY, "Kesha's ‘Praying’ is a powerful comeback ballad about finding peace," 6 July 2017
Did the nearly three hours of testimony, prefaced by a hug from Sessions’ wife, change any minds?

— latimes.com, "Today: Jeff Sessions’ Less-Than-Total Recall," 14 June 2017
Several questioners prefaced their remarks with praise for him as a bulwark of reason in the administration.

— chicagotribune.com, "How long can Mattis fly Trump's flag - when no one believes him anymore?," 5 June 2017
Trump's message appeared to preface further acrimony between himself and Merkel, the most powerful politician in Europe and, increasingly, the most vocal Trump foil on the continent.

— kevin liptak, CNN, "Trump signals he's ready to exit Paris climate accord, but decision not final," 30 May 2017
The superb chorus Schola Cantorum Reykjavík prefaced the orchestral concerts with a selection of a-cappella pieces, including Leifs’s Requiem, which is as spare and sad as the Organ Concerto is savage.

— alex ross, The New Yorker, "The L.A. Philharmonic Celebrates Iceland," 21 Apr. 2017
Even our president prefaced her introductory remarks at the Murray event with that qualifier.

— allison stanger, New York Times, "Middlebury, My Divided Campus," 3 Apr. 2017
Legere did preface his 2017 predictions by saying some are serious, others not so much.

— tamara chuang, The Denver Post, "Heard at CES 2017: T-Mobile’s CEO disses Dish during CES media event," 5 Jan. 2017

First Known Use of preface

1619

PREFACE Defined for English Language Learners

preface

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noun

Definition of preface for English Language Learners

: an introduction to a book or speech

preface

verb

Definition of preface for English Language Learners

: to introduce (a piece of writing, a speech, a remark, etc.) by writing or saying something

PREFACE Defined for Kids

preface

play

noun pref·ace \ ˈpre-fəs \

Definition of preface for Students

:a section at the beginning that introduces a book or a speech

Learn More about preface

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for preface Spanish Central: Translation of preface Nglish: Translation of preface for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of preface for Arabic speakers

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preface Synonyms

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Antonyms

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Other Printing Terms

preface

Definition of preface

prefacer

Recent Examples of preface from the Web

First Known Use of preface

PREFACE Defined for English Language Learners

preface

Definition of preface for English Language Learners

preface

Definition of preface for English Language Learners

PREFACE Defined for Kids

preface

Definition of preface for Students

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