preface
ˈprɛfəs
Definition Synonyms Conjugation

Definition of preface - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

1.
book introductionintroductory section of a book or document
  • The preface of the novel explained the author's inspiration.
foreword introduction
2.
religious prayerTECH.prayer before the Eucharistic Prayer in MassTECH.
  • The priest recited the preface before the Eucharist.
introduction opening prologue

Verb

tr.
1.
book introductionadd an opening note to a book or document
  • The author prefaced the novel with a personal note.
begin commence introduce
2.
introduction statementintroduce or begin with a preliminary statement
  • She prefaced her speech by thanking the organizers..
begin commence introduce
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Origin of preface

Latin, prae (before) + fari (to speak)

Terms with preface included in their meaning

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memory
used to preface a statement that one believes to be true
polite correction
used to politely preface a correction or disagreement
Pref.abbr.
abr: Preface
short introduction at the start of a book
literature
serving as an introduction or preface
introductory
serving as an introduction or preface
introduction
having an introduction or preface

Examples of preface in a sentence

  • The preface provided context for the historical setting.
  • He listened intently to the preface during Mass.
  • The choir sang softly as the preface was spoken.
  • She prefaced her report with an apology.
  • He prefaced the document with a brief history.
  • He prefaced his remarks with a joke.

View all translations of preface

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:préface, préfacer, ...
  2. German:Vorwort, voranstellen, ...
  3. Italian:prefazione, prefazionare, ...
  4. Spanish:prólogo, prologar, ...
  5. Portuguese:prefácio, prefaciar, ...
  6. Chinese:序言, 作序, ...
  7. Japanese:序文, 序文を追加する, ...
  8. Arabic:مُقَدِّمَة, صَدَّرَ, ...
  9. Hebrew:הַקְדָּמָה, לְהַקְדִּים, ...
  10. Russian:предисловие, предварять, ...
  11. Ukrainian:передмова, додавати передмову, ...
  12. Hindi:प्रस्तावना, प्रस्तावना लिखना, ...
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