preface

pref·ace

Use preface in a sentence

A person reading the preface of a book.

noun

The definition of a preface is an introduction.
An example of a preface is the first part of a book.

verb

To preface is to introduce something or begin.
An example of to preface is to explain why you are telling a story.

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MLA Style

"preface." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 17 March 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Preface>.

APA Style

preface. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Preface

preface

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

Origin of preface

Middle English prefas from Middle French from Medieval Latin prefatia, for Classical Latin praefatio from prae-, before (see pre-) + fatus, past participle of fari, to speak: see fame

transitive verb

-·aced, -·ac·ing

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

Link/Cite

Link to this page

Cite this page

MLA Style

"preface." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 17 March 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Preface>.

APA Style

preface. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Preface

preface

noun

a. A preliminary statement or essay introducing a book that explains its scope, intention, or background and is usually written by the author.
b. An introductory section, as of a speech.
Something introductory; a preliminary: An informal brunch served as a preface to the three-day conference.
often Preface The words introducing the central part of the Eucharist in several Christian churches.

transitive verb

pref·aced, pref·ac·ing, pref·ac·es

To introduce by or provide with a preliminary statement or essay.
To serve as an introduction to.

Origin of preface

Middle English from Old French from Latin praefātiō praefātiōn- from praefātus past participle of praefārī to say before prae- pre- fārī to speak ; see bhā-² in Indo-European roots.

Related Forms:

pref′ac·er
noun

THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Link/Cite

Link to this page

Cite this page

MLA Style

"preface." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 17 March 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Preface>.

APA Style

preface. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Preface

Noun

(plural prefaces)

The beginning or introductory portion that comes before the main text of a document or book.
The book included a brief preface by a leading expert in the field.
An introduction, or series of preliminary remarks.
(Roman Catholic) The prelude or introduction to the canon of the Mass.

Verb

(third-person singular simple present prefaces, present participle prefacing, simple past and past participle prefaced)

To introduce or make a comment before (the main point).
Let me preface this by saying that I don't know him that well.
To give a preface to.
to preface a book

Origin

1350-1400; Middle English prefas, which is from Old French preface (from which derives the modern French prÃ©face), from Medieval Latin prefatia, for classical Latin praefatio (“a saying beforehand"), from praefor (“to speak beforehand"), from prae- (“beforehand") + for (“to speak")

Noun

(plural Prefaces)