preface

[pref-is]

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

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• prefacer noun
• unprefaced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of preface¹

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”; pre-, fate ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of preface¹

C14: from Medieval Latin praefātia, from Latin praefātiō a saying beforehand, from praefārī to utter in advance, from prae before + fārī to say

Synonym Study

See introduction.

Example Sentences

But this exhibitionistic Oedipus is the star of the show’s unnecessary preface, a belabored warmup act that should have been cut in rehearsals.

From Los Angeles Times

The authors of the federal report began working in early April with a late May deadline, according to their preface.

From Los Angeles Times

This is how New Orleans community organizer Malik Rahim prefaces the calm before “Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time” plunges into one of the deadliest storms in American history.

From Salon

“A Note to My Translator” serves as a preface: An acclaimed author, Hans de Krap, blasts E.’s egregious translation slip-ups.

From Los Angeles Times

It stated unequivocally that "we did not breach NCND" and that the contact with me "was prefaced with confirmation that this conversation was not on the record".

From BBC

Related Words

• foreword 
• preamble 
• prologue