Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

prefatory

adjective
pref·​a·​to·​ry | \ ˈpre-fə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce prefatory (audio) \

Definition of prefatory

1 : of, relating to, or constituting a preface prefatory remarks
2 : located in front
Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about prefatory

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of prefatory in a Sentence

The speaker made some prefatory remarks. Each chapter in the book has a prefatory quotation.

Recent Examples on the Web

 Ferry provides some heartfelt prefatory remarks on meter and the aims of the translation, but there is no formal introduction about the poem’s historical setting or literary tradition, no glossary or list of names. — Denis Feeney, New York Times, "David Ferry Won the National Book Award in His 80s. In His 90s, He Has Translated Virgil.," 5 Dec. 2017

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

First Known Use of prefatory

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for prefatory

Latin praefari

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about prefatory

Share prefatory

Statistics for prefatory

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for prefatory

The first known use of prefatory was in 1675

See more words from the same year

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for prefatory

prefatory

adjective
How to pronounce prefatory (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of prefatory

formal : included at the beginning of a book, speech, etc., as an introduction

See the full definition for prefatory in the English Language Learners Dictionary

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on prefatory

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with prefatory

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prefatory

Spanish Central: Translation of prefatory

Nglish: Translation of prefatory for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of prefatory for Arabic Speakers

Comments on prefatory

What made you want to look up prefatory? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

orthography

Listen to the pronounciation of orthography

the way words of a language are spelled

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

A Green Quiz

  • shamrock
  • What is the best definition of green-eyed monster?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Citation

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games