preamble

American  

[pree-am-buhl, pree-am-] / ˈpriˌæm bəl, priˈæm- /

noun

1. an introductory statement; preface; introduction.

   Synonyms:

   prelude, prologue, foreword, beginning, opening

   Antonyms:

   closing, afterword, conclusion, appendix, epilogue

2. the introductory part of a statute, deed, or the like, stating the reasons and intent of what follows.

3. a preliminary or introductory fact or circumstance.

   His childhood in the slums was a preamble to a life of crime.

4. (initial capital letter) the introductory statement of the U.S. Constitution, setting forth the general principles of American government and beginning with the words, “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union. …”

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preamble British  

/ priːˈæmbəl /

noun

1. a preliminary or introductory statement, esp attached to a statute or constitution setting forth its purpose

2. a preliminary or introductory conference, event, fact, etc

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Other Word Forms

• preambled adjective

Etymology

Origin of preamble

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English preambel, preambile, from Middle French preambule, préamble from Medieval Latin praeambulum, noun use of neuter of Late Latin praeambulus “walking in front”; pre-, amble

Example Sentences

Their penchant for self-destruction has clearly been part of their preamble this time around.

From BBC

In any case, most of what goes into the preambles of DOT regulatory documents is just “word salad,” one staffer recalled the presenter saying.

From Salon

“And that goes in the preamble of the message, which is not enciphered.”

From Literature

The undercurrent in “Junglekeeper” and Mr. Rosolie’s previous book, “Mother of God”—a thrilling preamble—is his compulsive quest for places ever more remote, wild, pristine.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Too many approaches to peace-building foster perpetual dependency, and institutionalize crisis rather than leading people beyond it,” the charter’s preamble says, calling for “a coalition of willing States committed to practical cooperation and effective action.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• preface