preface
preface Lexical Profile
preface Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An introduction to a book, typically written by the author to state its subject, scope, purpose, or acknowledgments.
"In the preface to the second edition, the historian thanked the archivists who helped uncover the letters."
A preliminary remark, event, or action that serves to introduce something more important.
"The brief informal chat served as a pleasant preface to the afternoon's formal contract negotiations."
• verb
To introduce or begin a speech, piece of writing, or event with a preliminary statement or action.
"She prefaced her critique of the proposal by praising the team's thorough research."
Word Nuance & Usage
In publishing, a 'preface' is written by the book's author to explain how the book came into being, whereas a 'foreword' is written by someone other than the author (often an expert or prominent figure) to endorse the work.
• Rhymes for preface
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French 'preface', from Medieval Latin 'prefatia', derived from Classical Latin 'praefatio' ('a speaking beforehand'), from 'prae-' ('before') and 'fari' ('to speak').