Synonyms for

Preface

Verb / ˈprefʌs / Another word for preface — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

an introduction to a book, typically stating its subject, scope, or aims

Synonyms & similar words

prolusion precede premise introduce foreword introduction prologue foreword preamble exordium opening prelude proem lead-in intro beginning start initiation commencement launch preliminary prelim warm-up

Synonyms by register

Formal

foreword preamble prologue introduction

Informal

intro opening beginning start

Literary

proem prelude

Antonyms

conclusion epilogue afterword postscript ending finale

Common collocations

  • write a preface
  • read the preface
  • a brief preface
  • the preface to the book
  • in the preface
  • a lengthy preface
  • a short preface

Word family

noun preface
verb preface

Usage note

As a noun, 'preface' refers to an introductory statement in a book. As a verb, it means to introduce or begin something, often with a preliminary statement.

Example sentences

  1. The author included a preface to explain the purpose of the book.
  2. I always read the preface of a book before starting to read the actual content.
  3. The preface gave me a good idea of what the book was about.
  4. The preface was written by a famous author.
  5. The preface was very helpful in understanding the context of the book.

Quotes

  • The preface is the sauce which whets the appetite for the book.
  • The preface is one of the bad habits you get taught at school. It's useless.
  • The Preface is the reason for a book. It tells you why the author wrote it, and what he or she hopes to accomplish with it.

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