Word
preface
Phoneticspref·ace, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɹɛfəs/
UK/pɹˈɛfəs/
Definitions
01book introduction
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. an introduction at the beginning of a book, usually written by the author to explain why they wrote it.
n. an introductory section at the beginning of a literary work, typically written by the author to provide context, scope, or acknowledgments.
“In the preface, the author explains that the story is based on his own life.”
“The revised edition includes a new preface where the historian addresses the criticisms leveled against his original thesis.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02preliminary remarks
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. something said at the start of a speech or event to introduce what follows.
n. a series of preliminary remarks or an introductory statement made before the main body of a speech or presentation.
“After a brief preface about the company's history, the CEO announced the new project.”
“The diplomat began his address with a lengthy preface concerning the shared values of the two nations before discussing the specific treaty terms.”
Synonyms
03religious prayer
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Religion Technical · Formal
n. a special prayer said at the beginning of the most important part of a church service.
n. a variable prayer forming the introduction to the Eucharistic Prayer or canon of the Mass.
“The congregation stood as the priest began the preface of the ceremony.”
“The liturgical scholar noted that the specific wording of the preface varies according to the season of the ecclesiastical calendar.”
Synonyms
04to introduce
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to say or write something as an introduction before you get to your main point.
v. to introduce or precede a statement or piece of writing with preliminary comments.
“I should preface my remarks by saying that I am not an expert in this field.”
“She chose to preface her presentation with a startling statistic to immediately capture the audience's attention.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and usually takes the preposition 'with'.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Preface your message with a greeting, such as "Thank you for your email".” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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