Preface: Definition, Usage & Key Differences

Meaning 1：introductory text (preface)

preface 🔊

/ˈprefəs/

It's a short piece of writing at the beginning of a book that tells you why the book was written and what it's about.

Preface definition illustrated by an open book showing the preface section title and text

introductory text 🔊

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/ˌɪntrəˈdʌktəri tɛkst/

A section at the beginning of a book, written by the author or editor, which introduces the work, explains its purpose, scope, or context.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'prae-' (before) + 'fari' (to speak). Literally 'to speak before'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a PREFACE as a speech (FARI) given BEFORE (PRAE) the main book content.

📖 Example

In the preface, the author shared a touching personal story that inspired her to write about friendship. 🔊 In the introductory text, the author shared a touching personal story that inspired her to write about friendship.

🔗 Collocations

write a preface – to compose the introductory section of a book

in the preface – located within the introductory remarks

author's preface – the introduction written by the book's writer

🔄 Synonyms

foreword (n.) – A short introduction to a book, typically written by someone other than the author.

introduction (n.) – A preliminary section that leads into the main subject matter.

preamble (n.) – A preliminary or introductory statement, especially to a formal document.

🚫 Antonyms

appendix (n.) – A section of supplementary material at the end of a book or document.

epilogue (n.) – A section at the end of a book that serves as a conclusion or afterword.

postscript (n.) – An additional remark at the end of a letter or book, abbreviated as P.S.

🌱 Derivatives

prefatory (adj.) – Serving as an introduction; introductory.

preface (v.) – To provide a book or speech with an introduction; to begin or introduce with preliminary remarks.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'preface' has been used in English since the 14th century, directly from Old French, and ultimately from Latin 'praefatio' meaning 'a saying beforehand.' It is a standard part of book structure, setting the stage for the main text, often containing acknowledgments, context, or authorial intent.