preface

American  

[pref-is] / ˈprɛf ɪs /

noun

1. a preliminary statement in a book by the book's author or editor, setting forth its purpose and scope, expressing acknowledgment of assistance from others, etc.

   Antonyms:

   appendix

2. an introductory part, as of a speech.

   Synonyms:

   prologue, preamble

   Antonyms:

   epilogue

3. something preliminary or introductory.

   The meeting was the preface to an alliance.

   Synonyms:

   prologue, preamble

   Antonyms:

   epilogue

4. Ecclesiastical. a prayer of thanksgiving, the introduction to the canon of the Mass, ending with the Sanctus.

---

verb (used with object)

prefaced, prefacing

1. to provide with or introduce by a preface.

2. to serve as a preface to.

preface British  

/ ˈprɛfɪs /

noun

1. a statement written as an introduction to a literary or other work, typically explaining its scope, intention, method, etc; foreword

2. anything introductory

3. RC Church a prayer of thanksgiving and exhortation serving as an introduction to the canon of the Mass

---

verb

1. to furnish with a preface

2. to serve as a preface to

Related Words

See introduction.

Other Word Forms

• prefacer
  noun
• unprefaced
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of preface

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin prēfātia, for Latin praefātiō “a saying beforehand,” equivalent to praefāt(us) (past participle of praefārī “to say beforehand”; see pre-, fate) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

A preface is an introduction to the main text of a book, when an author or critic can write directly to the reader. A preface often describes how a book came together, like a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the final product. The preface is a place for extra context, thoughts, or even disclaimers about the text that follows. In his preface to Lyrical Ballads, the famous poet William Wordsworth wrote, “The majority of the following poems are to be considered as experiments.” In other words, “Don’t judge me too harshly!” Preface can also be used as a verb meaning "introduce." When you preface a statement with, “No offense but... ,” the person you’re talking to braces for criticism.

Example Sentences

I alluded to my frustration, as made clear in my Preface, that you had not made any public reference to your own conduct under the Ministerial Code in the period since inquiries were underway.

From BBC • Jun. 16, 2022

U Beauty The Preface Set: The luxury skin-care line’s limited-edition holiday set includes its three cult-favorite, multitasking products — the Resurfacing Compound, Super Hydrator and Sculpt Arm Compound — in a lovely gift box.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 12, 2021

On May 24, 1738, John Wesley heard someone reading Luther’s Preface to the Epistle of Romans in a meeting on Aldersgate Street in London, and at 8:45 p.m. felt his “heart strangely warmed.”

From Washington Post • Nov. 30, 2015

Preface your remarks about his current behavior by saying his illness is devastating to all of you who love him.

From Slate • Jan. 16, 2014

Fans of ferns could choose from among dozens of best-selling titles, including Frondson’s Pteridomania for the Beginner, with a Preface on Spores by Dr. Ward.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• foreword
• preamble
• prologue