Definition of PREFACE

preface

Plural: prefaces

Noun

  • a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book
  • 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.
  • 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.

Verb

Verb Forms: prefaced, prefacing, prefaces

  • To introduce a book or speech with an introductory statement.
  • furnish with a preface or introduction
    • "He prefaced his lecture with a critical remark about the institution"
  • To introduce or make a comment before (the main point); to premise.
  • To give a preface to.

Examples

  • He’d preface his amazing Scrabble plays with a confident smile, just to intimidate me.
  • Let me preface this by saying that I don't know him that well.
  • The book included a brief preface explaining the author's motivations for writing.
  • to preface a book

Origin / Etymology

Late 14th century, from Middle English preface, prefas, 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”).

Scrabble Score: 14

preface: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
preface: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
preface: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 16

preface: valid Words With Friends Word