preface

/preffss/

  • noun 1 an introduction to a book, stating its subject, scope, or aims. 2 the preliminary part of a speech.

  • verb 1 provide with a preface. 2 (preface with/by) begin (a speech or event) with or by doing something.

  — DERIVATIVES prefatory /prefftri/ adjective.

  — ORIGIN Old French, from Latin praefari ‘speak before’.

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