Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words
Definition of preface - 3 dictionary results
Preface at Amazon
Low Prices on Preface Free 2-Day Shipping w/ Amazon Prime
www.Amazon.com/Books

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
Preface at Amazon
Low Prices on Preface Free 2-Day Shipping w/ Amazon Prime
www.Amazon.com/Books
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.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

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
Cite This Source
Search another word or see preface on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way