preface

An opening section of a book that explains why or how it was written.

• Read the preface first.
• The author explains her aims in the preface.
• This edition includes a new preface by the editor.

Similar words: introduction

Common phrases: write a preface, preface to something, author’s preface

A prayer of thanks that introduces the main prayer over bread and wine during a Christian Mass.

• The priest sang the preface.
• Today’s preface refers to the Easter celebration.
• The congregation stood during the preface of the Mass.

Common phrases: sing the preface, eucharistic preface, preface of something

To say something first to introduce or explain what you are about to say.

• She prefaced her answer with a warning.
• Let me preface this by saying that I agree with you.
• He prefaced the discussion with a short explanation.

How to use it: preface something with something (She prefaced her remarks with an apology.); preface something by saying that… (He prefaced his answer by saying that he needed more information.)

Similar words: introduce, lead into

Common phrases: preface with something, preface by saying, preface a remark

To write or add an introductory section at the beginning of a book or document.

• She was asked to preface the book.
• The editor prefaced the volume with a short introduction.
• He has prefaced several editions of the poet’s work.

How to use it: preface something with something (The editor prefaced the collection with an essay.)

Similar words: introduce

Common phrases: preface a book, preface an edition, preface with something