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.

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verb (used with object)

prefaces, present (3rd person singular) prefaced, past participle, past prefacing present participle

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

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verb

1. to furnish with a preface

2. to serve as a preface to

Synonym Usage

See introduction.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unprefaced
  adjective
• prefacer
  noun

Conjugated Forms

Present

• has prefaced
  perfect 3rd person singular
• have prefaced
  perfect
• has been prefacing
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• are prefacing
  progressive
• prefacing
  participle
• have been prefacing
  perfect progressive
• is prefacing
  progressive 3rd person singular
• am prefacing
  progressive 1st person singular
• prefaces
  singular 3rd person

Past

• had prefaced
  perfect
• was prefacing
  progressive singular
• were prefacing
  progressive plural
• prefaced
  simple
• had been prefacing
  perfect progressive
• prefaced
  participle

Future

• will preface
  simple
• will have prefaced
  perfect
• will have been prefacing
  perfect progressive
• will be prefacing
  progressive

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

“They’ll preface it with ‘I don’t know if I should get a whole bottle…since it’s just me.’

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 17, 2026

As climate scientist Kevin Trenberth noted in the preface, the collection is designed as an ongoing effort that reflects the evolving nature of climate science.

From Science Daily • Jan. 14, 2026

If ever the Shakespearean warning about those who “doth protest too much” seemed apt, Skandalakis’ overly long preface to his motion surely qualifies.

From Salon • Nov. 27, 2025

On Friday, before introducing Edgardo Henriquez, Leitz delivered a proper preface and farewell all in one.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 20, 2025

It is impossible to tell whether Osiander’s preface soothed any ruffled feathers at the Vatican, but the evidence suggests that there were no ruffled feathers there to soothe.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin

Related Words

• foreword
• preamble
• prologue