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preface Definition

pref·ace (pref′is)

noun

  1. R.C.Ch. the introduction to the Canon of the Mass, ending with the Sanctus
  2. an introductory statement to a book, telling its purpose, plan, etc., esp. a brief one written by the book's author
  3. something preliminary or introductory; prelude

Etymology: ME prefas < MFr < ML prefatia, for L praefatio < prae-, before (see pre-) + fatus, pp. of fari, to speak: see fame

transitive verb -·aced, -·ac·ing

  1. to furnish or introduce with a preface
  2. to be or serve as a preface to; begin

preface Synonyms

preface

n.

introduction, prelude, prolegomenon, preliminary; see explanation 2, introduction 4. See syn. study at introduction.

preface Synonyms

preface

v.

introduce, commence, precede; see begin 1.

preface Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • write: They are also looking for a famous LA person to write a preface.
  • read: Someone was reading the preface to Luther's commentary on Paul's letter to the Romans.
  • contain: The edition also contains a preface by the novelist Michèle Roberts.
  • include: This new impression includes a new preface by the author.

Subject

  • essay: Each section of the book is prefaced by an essay, and the origins of the examples are meticulously sourced.
  • word: First, some describe a strongly recommended course of action: these statements will be prefaced by the word " should.

Adjective modifier

  • proper: Wednesday Mass proper Preface of Easter Reading 1 Acts 17:15.
  • brief: The closest thing to such insights is found in the brief preface ( pp.
  • short: Thus he writes new, mostly short prefaces to his works to be included in the Wessex Edition.
  • famous: For had he not already written in his famous preface, 'All a poet can do today is warn ' ?
  • original: This volume contains a new general introduction by Alan Bennett, as well as the original preface by Lindsay Anderson to The Old Crowd.
  • new: Thus he writes new, mostly short prefaces to his works to be included in the Wessex Edition.

Noun used with modifier

  • content: CONTENTS Preface to the third edition Acknowledgements Introduction How to use this book What is training?

Possessives

  • editor: From the editor's preface, it seems that we have been extraordinarily fortunate to be able to read the volume at all.
  • author: Apart from the author's preface, the contents of the book are fairly well indicated by the title.

Preposition: by

  • essay: Each section of the book is prefaced by an essay, and the origins of the examples are meticulously sourced.
  • author: This new impression includes a new preface by the author.
  • word: First, some describe a strongly recommended course of action: these statements will be prefaced by the word " should.
preface Quotes

Preface to aTwenty Volume Suicide Note.

—Jones