preface
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.
to provide with or introduce by a preface.
to serve as a preface to.
Origin of preface
1synonym study For preface
Other words for preface
2, 3 | preamble, prologue, prolegomena |
Opposites for preface
Other words from preface
- pref·ac·er, noun
- un·pref·aced, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use preface in a sentence
In a new preface, Johnson explains that he was reluctant to tell the story of how wine has since “joined the tedious world of luxury goods.”
Crack open the best 2020 wine books for rich history, international politics and a vintner’s lively memoir | Dave McIntyre | December 11, 2020 | Washington PostIt begins with a preface in which Obama says he wants to give an “honest rendering” of the events that happened on his watch and ends with the death of Osama bin Laden.
Obama memoir addresses evolution on LGBTQ rights | Kathi Wolfe | December 5, 2020 | Washington BladeThe book was conceived and written before the pandemic, and Krznaric only managed to squeeze in a coronavirus-related preface before sending it to print and turning, like many others, to homeschooling kids and rearranging routines.
“Are we being good ancestors?” should be the central question of our time | Katie McLean | October 21, 2020 | MIT Technology ReviewI prefaced it by saying, “Bill Clinton was such a dog, that…” so they cut out the story angle.
Tom Sizemore’s Revenge: On Tom Cruise’s Scientology Recruitment, Drugs, and Craving a Comeback | Marlow Stern | September 26, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTShe prefaced her remarks by stating that she was not going to give “a campaign political speech.”
Joni Ernst's Big Pivot: From Pig Castrator to Iowa Nice | Ben Jacobs | August 11, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Nearly three weeks later, I received a stock e-mailed apology, prefaced by a quick summary of the United Airlines world view.
My link was prefaced by a caveat that the story was a disgrace: "If accurate."
Yes, Bin Laden's Killer Will Get Healthcare Benefits | David Frum | February 12, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTThings take a turn at 4:06, making you wonder if that relates to what was prefaced in the video as “inspired by true events.”
Adam Levine, Grizzly Bear & More of the Best Music Videos of the Week (VIDEO) | Jean Trinh | February 1, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTThis step was prefaced by the announcement of new and extensive alterations in the bill.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.III. | E. Farr and E. H. NolanThe right honourable baronet prefaced his motion by a speech of two hours' duration.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.III. | E. Farr and E. H. NolanI prefaced my talk by references to cats, rabbits, etc., and finished up by diagnosing the political situation in Russia.
My Wonderful Visit | Charlie ChaplinAn insolent demand from Ah Sing and Wobanguli that they surrender prefaced the hostilities.
The Argus Pheasant | John Charles BeechamThe Historical Notice with which Mr. Hamilton has prefaced it is a noble production, and worthy of the subject and of his name.
British Dictionary definitions for preface
/ (ˈprɛfɪs) /
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
to furnish with a preface
to serve as a preface to
Origin of preface
1Derived forms of preface
- prefacer, noun
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
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