preface
B2Formal
Definition
Meaning
An introduction to a book, speech, or other text, explaining its subject, purpose, or structure.
Something that serves as an introduction or preliminary event; to introduce or begin a book, speech, or event with a formal statement.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, it refers specifically to a written introduction. As a verb, it often implies a formal or considered introduction to a subsequent statement or action. Differs from 'foreword' (often written by someone other than the author) and 'prologue' (often part of the narrative).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are largely identical. Minor differences may exist in typical phrasing or collocational preference.
Connotations
Formal and literary in both varieties. The verb form is slightly more formal than the noun.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties, with a formal/academic bias.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
preface N with NN preface to Nbe prefaced by NVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “without preamble/preface (meaning: without any introduction)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in formal reports or proposals, e.g., 'The CEO prefaced the strategic plan with market analysis.'
Academic
Common in theses, dissertations, and scholarly books to outline scope and methodology.
Everyday
Rare in casual speech. Might be used when discussing books or formal events.
Technical
Used in publishing and literary contexts to refer to the specific introductory section.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The preface gives crucial context for the author's research.
American English
- She wrote a new preface for the updated edition of her textbook.
verb
British English
- He prefaced his critical comments with some genuine praise.
American English
- The speaker prefaced her lecture with a brief personal anecdote.
adverb
British English
- N/A (Not standardly used as an adverb)
American English
- N/A (Not standardly used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- N/A (Not standardly used as an adjective)
American English
- N/A (Not standardly used as an adjective)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The book has a short preface at the beginning.
- In the preface, the author explains why he wrote the book.
- The report was prefaced by a summary of the key findings.
- Her insightful preface not only frames the central argument but also anticipates potential critiques.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PREFACE as the FACE a book shows first, introducing itself before the main content.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GATEWAY or DOORWAY (it opens the way into the main content).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'предисловие' (correct for noun). The verb 'preface' is not 'представлять' (to introduce a person) but 'предварять', 'предпослать'. Avoid using 'префикс' (prefix), which is a different concept.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a synonym for 'summary' or 'abstract'. Confusing 'preface' (author's intro) with 'foreword' (by another person). Incorrect verb pattern: 'He prefaced about the topic' (correct: 'He prefaced his talk with...').
Practice
Quiz
In which section of a book would you most likely find acknowledgements of help and funding?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A preface is by the book's author about the book's creation. A foreword is by someone else endorsing the book. An introduction is part of the content, starting the topic.
It's quite formal. In casual speech, people are more likely to say 'start with' or 'begin by saying'.
No, the standard pronunciation /ˈprɛfəs/ is the same in both major varieties.
Use the pattern 'preface [statement/event] with [introductory remark/action]', e.g., 'She prefaced her question with an apology.'