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 muses promised fame and fortune to artists who followed them, but are rarely mentioned by name in the prologues and prefaces of artworks today. —Alison Habens, JSTOR Daily, 31 Oct. 2024

In her preface to a reissued edition of the novel, Segal remembers being housed in a camp during a frigid English winter. —Cressida Leyshon, The New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2024

Verb

While Duran Duran will host their Halloween blowout at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 31, the band has prefaced it with a short East Coast tour this month, including shows in Allentown, Pennsylvania; Atlantic City, New Jersey; and on Oct. 28, CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore. Need a break? —Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024

On Monday, Whoopi Goldberg, 68, prefaced Hostin’s segment by saying that Trump released a statement disassociating himself from Hinchcliffe’s comments. —Angel Saunders, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024

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

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