preface

Alternative forms

• præface (archaic)

Etymology

1350–1400; Middle English prefas, which is from Old French preface (from which derives the modern French préface), from Medieval Latin prefātia, for classical Latin praefātiō (“a saying beforehand”), from praefor (“to speak beforehand”), from prae- (“beforehand”) + for (“to speak”)

Pronunciation

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• IPA^(key): /ˈpɹɛfəs/
• Rhymes: -ɛfəs

Noun

preface (plural prefaces)

1. 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.

2. An introduction, or series of preliminary remarks.
   • William Shakespeare

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

   • John Milton

     Heaven's high behest no preface needs.

   • 1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, London: A[ndrew] Millar, OCLC 928184292:

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

3. (Roman Catholicism) The prelude or introduction to the canon of the Mass.

Verb

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

1. (transitive) To introduce or make a comment before (the main point).

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

2. (transitive) To give a preface to.

   to preface a book

Related terms

• prefatory

See also

• prelude