preface — English Dictionary

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.

   Examples

   Holonyms: front matter, prelims

   The book included a brief preface explaining the author's motivations for writing.

2. An introduction, or series of preliminary remarks.

   Examples

   This superficial tale / Is but a preface of her worthy praise.

   Heav'ns high behest no preface needs.

   More examples (1)

   And now, without any further preface, we proceed to our next chapter.

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.

   Examples

   Meronyms: protocol, embolism, eschatocol

4. A title or epithet.

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   […] a black-tie dinner to celebrate on the eve of the ceremony which would remove the preface "Sir" from his name and replace it with the preface "Lord," thought by some to be one of the most potent words in the English language.

Verb

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

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   Let me preface this by saying that I don't know him that well.

2. To give a preface to.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   to preface a book

Noun

1. a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book

   Synonyms

   forewordprolusion

   Broader terms

   introduction

Verb

1. furnish with a preface or introduction

   Synonyms

   precedepremiseintroduce

   Broader terms

   statesaytell

   Examples

   She always precedes her lectures with a joke

   He prefaced his lecture with a critical remark about the institution