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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 prefaced -·aced, prefacing -·ac·ing

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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

preface Synonyms

preface

n.

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


preface

v.

introduce, commence, precede; see begin 1.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

preface Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • short: Thus he writes new, mostly short prefaces to his works to be included in the Wessex Edition.
  • proper: Wednesday Mass proper Preface of Easter Reading 1 Acts 17:15.

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.

Preposition: by

  • author: This new impression includes a new preface by the author.
preface usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

preface quotes

Preface to aTwenty Volume Suicide Note.

-Jones

preface quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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"preface." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/preface>

APA Style

preface. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/preface

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