preface

What it means

1. A 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.

   Holonyms: front matter, prelims

   1 more example

   The book included a brief preface explaining the author's motivations for writing.

2. An introduction, or series of preliminary remarks.

   Heav'ns high behest no preface needs.

   1667, John Milton, “Book X”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC; republished as Paradise Lost in Ten Books: […], London: Basil Montagu Pickering […], 1873, →OCLC

   2 more examples

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

   1591 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The First Part of Henry the Sixt”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene v], page 118

   And now, without any further preface, we proceed to our next chapter.

   1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, volume II, London: A[ndrew] Millar, […], →OCLC, page 7

3. ChristianityA variable prayer forming the prelude or introduction to the Eucharistic Prayer or canon of the Mass, following the Sursum corda dialogue and leading into the Sanctus.

   Meronyms: protocol, embolism, eschatocol

In a sentence

Holonyms: front matter, prelims

Where it comes from

1. Latinpraefātiō“a saying beforehand”
2. Medieval Latinprefātia
3. Old Frenchpreface
4. Middle Englishpreface
5. Englishpreface

Late 14th century, from Middle English preface, prefas, from Old French preface (from which derives the modern French préface), from Medieval Latin prefātia, for classical Latin praefātiō (“a saying beforehand”), from praefor (“to speak beforehand”), from prae- (“beforehand”) + for (“to speak”).