- prefaceA beginning or introductory portion that comes before the main text of a document or book, typically serving to contextualize or explain the writing of the book and sometimes to acknowledge others' contributions; especially, such a discussion written by the work's own author.
- forewordAn introductory section preceding the main text of a book or other document; especially, one written by another person (not the author of the work thus introduced).
- prefatoryServing as a preface or prelude; introductory, preliminary.