Preface: meaning, definitions and examples

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preface

[ ˈprɛfɪs ]

^{Context #1}

literature

An introduction to a book, typically stating its subject, scope, or aim.

Synonyms

foreword, introduction, prologue

Examples of usage

The preface of the novel provided background information about the author.
The preface of the textbook outlined the key concepts to be covered.

^{Context #2}

formal

To introduce or begin (a book or speech) with a preface.

Synonyms

begin, introduce, start

Examples of usage

The author decided to preface the novel with a personal anecdote.
She prefaced her presentation with a brief overview of the topic.

Translations

Translations of the word "preface" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prefácio

🇮🇳 प्रस्तावना

🇩🇪 Vorwort

🇮🇩 pendahuluan

🇺🇦 передмова

🇵🇱 przedmowa

🇯🇵 序文 (じょぶん)

🇫🇷 préface

🇪🇸 prefacio

🇹🇷 önsöz

🇰🇷 서문 (seomun)

🇸🇦 مقدمة (muqaddima)

🇨🇿 předmluva

🇸🇰 predslov

🇨🇳 前言 (qiányán)

🇸🇮 predgovor

🇮🇸 formáli

🇰🇿 кіріспе

🇬🇪 წინასიტყვაობა (ts'inasit'qvaoba)

🇦🇿 ön söz

🇲🇽 prefacio

Word origin

The word 'preface' originated from the Latin word 'praefatio', which means 'a saying beforehand'. It first appeared in the English language in the 14th century. Prefaces have been used in literature for centuries to provide context, background information, and insights into the author's intentions.

See also: deface, efface, face, facet, facing, interface.