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

The funeral of Pope Francis: Even in death, Pope Francis is breaking with tradition for his funeral and burial Prior to his hospitalization, Pope Francis wrote about death in the preface of a book on old age by Italian Cardinal Angelo Scola. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025

On Tuesday, April 22, the Vatican shared a preface that Francis wrote for a book in Italian by Cardinal Angelo Scola, archbishop emeritus of Milan. —Adam Carlson, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025

Verb

Charania also prefaced that Antetokounmpo has not yet decided on his future. —Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025

Pacino prefaced his tribute with a quote from Coppola himself. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for preface

• benefice

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