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Definition of preface - 6 dictionary results

pref⋅ace

  [pref-is] noun, verb, -aced, -ac⋅ing.
Use preface in a Sentence
–noun
1. a preliminary statement in a book by the book's author or editor, setting forth its purpose and scope, expressing acknowledgment of assistance from others, etc.
2. an introductory part, as of a speech.
3. something preliminary or introductory: The meeting was the preface to an alliance.
4. Ecclesiastical. a prayer of thanksgiving, the introduction to the canon of the Mass, ending with the Sanctus.
–verb (used with object)
5. to provide with or introduce by a preface.
6. to serve as a preface to.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME < MF < ML prēfātia, for L praefātiō a saying beforehand, equiv. to praefāt(us) (ptp. of praefārī to say beforehand; see pre-, fate ) + -iōn- -ion

Related forms:
pref⋅ac⋅er, noun

Synonyms:
1. See introduction. 2, 3. preamble, prologue, prolegomena.

Antonyms:
1. appendix. 2, 3. epilogue.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To preface
pref·ace   (prěf'ĭs)   
n.  
    1. A preliminary statement or essay introducing a book that explains its scope, intention, or background and is usually written by the author.
    2. An introductory section, as of a speech.
  2. Something introductory; a preliminary: An informal brunch served as a preface to the three-day conference.
  3. often Preface The words introducing the central part of the Eucharist in several Christian churches.
tr.v.   pref·aced, pref·ac·ing, pref·ac·es
  1. To introduce by or provide with a preliminary statement or essay.
  2. To serve as an introduction to.

[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin praefātiō, praefātiōn-, from praefātus, past participle of praefārī, to say before : prae-, pre- + fārī, to speak; see bhā-2 in Indo-European roots.]
pref'ac·er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Preface

Pref"ace\ (?; 48), n. [F. pr['e]face; cf. Sp. prefacio, prefacion, It. prefazio, prefazione; all fr. L. praefatio, fr. praefari to speak or say beforehand; prae before + fari, fatus, to speak. See Fate.]

1. Something spoken as introductory to a discourse, or written as introductory to a book or essay; a proem; an introduction, or series of preliminary remarks.

This superficial tale Is but a preface of her worthy praise. --Shak.

Heaven's high behest no preface needs. --Milton.

2. (R. C. Ch.) The prelude or introduction to the canon of the Mass. --Addis & Arnold.

Proper preface (Ch. of Eng. & Prot. Epis. Ch.), a portion of the communion service, preceding the prayer of consecration, appointed for certain seasons.

Syn: Introduction; preliminary; preamble; proem; prelude; prologue.

Preface

Pref"ace\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prefaced; p. pr. & vb. n. Prefacing.] To introduce by a preface; to give a preface to; as, to preface a book discourse.

Preface

Pref"ace\, v. i. To make a preface. --Jer. Taylor.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : preface
Spanish: prefacio,
German: die Einleitung,
Japanese: 序
More Translations »

preface  (n.)
c.1386, from O.Fr. preface (14c.), from M.L. prefatia, from L. præfatio "fore-speaking, introduction, prologue," from præfatus, pp. of præfari "to say beforehand," from præ- "before" + fari "speak" (see fame). The verb is 1616, from the noun.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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