Preamble Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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preamble
[หpriหหรฆmbl ]
Definition
legal document
A preamble is an introductory statement or preliminary section that explains the purpose or reasons for the following contents of a document. In legal documents, such as constitutions or contracts, the preamble sets the stage for the text that follows and often reflects the intent of the authors.
Synonyms
foreword, introduction, preface.
Examples of usage
- The Constitution begins with a preamble outlining its goals.
- In the preamble to the agreement, the parties expressed their mutual intentions.
- She wrote a preamble to provide context for her research paper.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Legal Studies
- In legal documents, a preamble outlines the intention or purpose behind the law or constitution.
- The preamble of the United States Constitution famously begins with 'We the People', setting the stage for the documentโs aims.
- Many constitutions around the world include a preamble, emphasizing values like justice or freedom.
Literature
- Authors often use a preamble to provide background information to help readers understand the main narrative.
- It can also serve as a thematic introduction, framing the story or ideas that will follow.
- Notable works, like 'The Divine Comedy', begin with a preamble that establishes the authorโs purpose.
Politics
- Preambles in political speeches can set the tone, engaging audiences and outlining key themes.
- They can also provide historical context, helping audiences understand why certain topics are relevant today.
- Famous political figures, like Martin Luther King Jr., used powerful preambles to captivate listeners and draw them into their message.
Music
- In music, a preamble can refer to an introductory section before the main theme or lyrics of a song.
- Many classical compositions begin with a preamble that establishes mood and style before diving into the main piece.
- Songwriters often use a preamble to build tension or anticipation for whatโs to come.
Origin of 'preamble'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'preambulare', meaning 'to walk before'.
- It first appeared in English in the late 14th century, primarily in legal and formal contexts.
- Similar terms can be found in other languages, reflecting similar concepts of introductions or beginnings.
The term 'preamble' originates from the Latin word 'preambulus', which means 'going before' (from 'prae-' meaning 'before' and 'ambulare' meaning 'to walk'). It was first recorded in English in the early 15th century, initially used in a legal context to refer to an introductory clause. Over time, its usage expanded to include various types of documents and formal texts, emphasizing the importance of setting context before presenting the main content. The concept of a preamble has also been historically significant, as seen in documents like the U.S. Constitution, where it delineates the purposes of the document and reflects foundational values.