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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
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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
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Copland served as a preface to Beethoven’s Symphony No.
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Preface with: Thinking this is dead, or going to die, or has no chance is a bad idea.
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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.
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As Christopher Tolkien writes in his preface, these two lovers were very close to his father’s heart.
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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.
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Gaiman wrote in a preface to the 10th Anniversary Edition of the book.
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Gaiman wrote in a preface to the 10th Anniversary Edition of the book.
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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.
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
Other Printing Terms
epigraph, errata, leader, mechanical, notch, tittle, underscore, widow
preface
Definition of preface
prefaced
;prefacing
prefacer
nounRecent Examples of preface from the Web
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Several questioners prefaced their remarks with praise for him as a bulwark of reason in the administration.
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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.
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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.
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Even our president prefaced her introductory remarks at the Murray event with that qualifier.
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.
First Known Use of preface
1619
PREFACE Defined for English Language Learners
preface
playDefinition of preface for English Language Learners
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: an introduction to a book or speech
preface
Definition of preface for English Language Learners
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: to introduce (a piece of writing, a speech, a remark, etc.) by writing or saying something
PREFACE Defined for Kids
preface
playDefinition of preface for Students
: a section at the beginning that introduces a book or a speech
Learn More about preface
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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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