Dictionary.com

preface

[ pref-is ]
/ ˈprɛf ɪs /
Save This Word!

noun
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.
an introductory part, as of a speech.
something preliminary or introductory: The meeting was the preface to an alliance.
Ecclesiastical. a prayer of thanksgiving, the introduction to the canon of the Mass, ending with the Sanctus.
verb (used with object), pref·aced, pref·ac·ing.
to provide with or introduce by a preface.
to serve as a preface to.

OTHER WORDS FOR preface

2, 3 preamble, prologue, prolegomena.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

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

synonym study for preface

1. See introduction.

OTHER WORDS FROM preface

pref·ac·er, nounun·pref·aced, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use preface in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for preface

preface
/ (ˈprɛfɪs) /

noun
a statement written as an introduction to a literary or other work, typically explaining its scope, intention, method, etc; foreword
anything introductory
RC Church a prayer of thanksgiving and exhortation serving as an introduction to the canon of the Mass
verb (tr)
to furnish with a preface
to serve as a preface to

Derived forms of preface

prefacer, noun

Word Origin for preface

C14: from Medieval Latin praefātia, from Latin praefātiō a saying beforehand, from praefārī to utter in advance, from prae before + fārī to say
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK