Pronunciation

/preˈfeɪs/

Definitions

Noun

1. A written introduction or explanation placed before a book, especially one by the author or another expert on the subject, providing context or background information.
2. [figurative] An introductory part or chapter; a foreword.

Verb

1. To write or insert a preface into a book or document.
2. To give a preface (as in a speech or greeting).

Phrases

• “Preface a book” means to write an introduction for a book.
• “Include a preface” signifies adding a forward or an introductory note.
• “Read the preface” refers to reading the introductory part of a text.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The author wrote a lengthy preface discussing the inspiration behind their novel.”
• Verb: “The editor decided to preface each chapter with a brief summary.”
• Prepositional phrase: “After the main content, he found a fascinating preface by a historian.”

Synonyms

• Foreword
• Prologue
• Introduction
• Epistle (informal)
• Acknowledgments (when referring to the section after a preface)
• Prefatory remarks

Antonyms

• Epilogue (if used to mean the closing part instead of the introduction)