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Definition of foreword

foreword

/ˈfɔːrwɜːrd/
fore · word
Plural:forewords
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foreword Lexical Profile

foreword Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A short introductory section in a book, typically written by a person other than the author, that commends the work or provides context for the reader.

Example

"The acclaimed historian wrote a compelling foreword for the new edition of the biography."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for foreword
Antonyms
View all antonyms for foreword

Word Nuance & Usage

Frequently confused with its homophone 'forward' (meaning toward the front); 'foreword' specifically refers to the introductory section of a book. Unlike a 'preface', which is written by the book's own author, a foreword is traditionally written by an outside expert or notable figure.

• Rhymes for foreword

• Nearby Words

forewarn
forewarning
forewoman
foreword
forex
forfeit
forfeitable

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-19th century from 'fore-' and 'word' as a deliberate Germanic calque of the German 'Vorwort', which was itself modeled on the Latin 'praefatio' (preface).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Foreword. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/foreword
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