preface

Meaning

Noun

1. A beginning or introductory portion that comes before the main text of a document or book, typically serving to contextualize or explain the writing of the book and sometimes to acknowledge others' contributions; especially, such a discussion written by the work's own author.
2. An introduction, or series of preliminary remarks.
3. A variable prayer forming the prelude or introduction to the Eucharistic Prayer or canon of the Mass, following the Sursum corda dialogue and leading into the Sanctus.
4. A title or epithet.

Verb

1. (transitive) To introduce or make a comment before (the main point); to premise.
2. (transitive) To give a preface to.

Synonyms

introduction

foreword

preamble

prologue

prelude

precede

introduce

premise

forward

prolusion

exordium

title

go

opening

begin

proem

prolegomenon

postscript

lead-in

lead off

open

open up

originate

overture

preliminary

primer

prolog

set in motion

start

start out

start up

take up

bully off

strike up

opening statement

editors note

prefatory note

prelusion

lede

pref.

recite a prologue

anticipate

have precedence

beginning

captions

commence

embark

embark on

explanatory notes

face off

Translations

Vorwort

préface

Einleitung

Vorrede

prefazione

introduction

Einführung

prefácio

inleiding

introductie

Geleitwort

prefacio

avant-propos

voorbericht

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈpɹɛfəs/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: preface

Cognate with French: préface

In summary

Late 14th century, from Middle English preface, prefas, from Old French preface (from which derives the modern French préface), from Medieval Latin prefātia, for classical Latin praefātiō (“a saying beforehand”), from praefor (“to speak beforehand”), from prae- (“beforehand”) + for (“to speak”).