definitions

preface

[ pref-is ]
/ ˈprɛf ɪs /
||

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.

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RELATED WORDS

preamble, foreword, prologue, prelude, explanation, overture, prolegomenon, preliminary, beginning, exordium, begin, lead, launch, commence, prefix, usher, open, precede, proem, prelusion

Nearby words

preexist, preexposure, pref., prefab, prefabricate, preface, prefatory, prefect, prefect apostolic, prefectorial, prefecture

Origin of preface

1350–1400; Middle English < Middle French < 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

SYNONYMS FOR preface

1 See introduction.
2, 3 preamble, prologue, prolegomena.

ANTONYMS FOR preface

1 appendix.
2, 3 epilogue.

Related forms

pref·ac·er, nounun·pref·aced, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for prefaced

British Dictionary definitions for prefaced

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

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