preface (ˈprɛfɪs
)
Definitions
noun
- a statement written as an introduction to a literary or other work, typically explaining its scope, intention, method, etc; foreword
- anything introductory
- Roman Catholic Church a prayer of thanksgiving and exhortation serving as an introduction to the canon of the Mass
verb (tr)
- to furnish with a preface
- to serve as a preface to
Alternative Forms
ˈprefacer nounWord Origin
C14: from Medieval Latin praefātia, from Latin praefātiō a saying beforehand, from praefārī to utter in advance, from prae before + fārī to sayUsage examples
It was Frances who told Peter the preface to the famous words.
, INSTANCES OF THE NUMBER 3 (2002)In a new preface to their bestseller, Competing For The Future, they acknowledge unexpected roadblocks to the implementation of their ideas.
Business Today (1996)In the book's preface , Helen reflected that her journey had been better than any trip by magic carpet ever could be.
Globe and Mail (2003)I should preface this by saying that I speak with a Dublin accent.
Sun, News of the World (1999)The remarks Freud made in the preface for the final (1932) English edition have frequently been quoted:
, Our Dreaming Mind (1994)