preface

noun

A beginning or introductory portion that comes before the main text of a document or book, typically serving to contextualize or explain the writing of the book and sometimes to acknowledge others' contributions; especially, such a discussion written by the work's own author.

An introduction, or series of preliminary remarks.

(Christianity) A variable prayer forming the prelude or introduction to the Eucharistic Prayer or canon of the Mass, following the Sursum corda dialogue and leading into the Sanctus.

A title or epithet.

Alternative letter-case form of preface (“prayer before the canon of the Mass”). [A beginning or introductory portion that comes before the main text of a document or book, typically serving to contextualize or explain the writing of the book and sometimes to acknowledge others' contributions; especially, such a discussion written by the work's own author.]

verb

(transitive) To introduce or make a comment before (the main point); to premise.

(transitive) To give a preface to.

Roots

praepre- · Latin · before, in front fari-fa · Latin · speak

Synonyms for preface

forewordn proem prolegomenonn preamblen prolegomena introductionn exordiumn prologuen introducev preluden precedev frontispiecen prologizev

Synonyms & related words for preface

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of preface — including foreword, proem, prolegomenon, preamble, prolegomena, introduction. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to preface

Explore words related to preface — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include prolusion, prefatory, preambulary, afterword, preambular, isagoge, epilogue, prologuize. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for preface

Common synonyms for preface include foreword, proem, prolegomenon, preamble, prolegomena, introduction, exordium, prologue — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does preface come from?

The word preface breaks down into 2 roots of Latin origin: pre-, from Latin prae (“before, in front”); and -fa, from Latin fari (“speak”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.