Préambule (en. Preamble)

/pʁe.ɑ̃.by.l/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Introduction that precedes a legal text or a speech.

The preamble of the constitution states the fundamental values.

Le préambule de la constitution énonce les valeurs fondamentales.

Elements that precede an event or an action.

The preamble to the meeting lasted longer than expected.

Le préambule à la réunion a duré plus longtemps que prévu.

Text that outlines the reasons or context of a statement.

The preamble of this report explains the ecological stakes.

Le préambule de ce rapport explique les enjeux écologiques.

From Latin 'preambulus', from 'prae-' and 'ambulare' meaning 'to go before'.

necessary preamble

An essential introduction before addressing the topic.

préambule nécessaire

in the preamble

Related to the introduction of a document.

dans le préambule

introduction

Text or speech that precedes main content.

introduction

prologue

Introduction of a literary or theatrical work.

prologue

An informal way to start talking about a topic.

Before discussing this point, let’s have a little preamble.

Avant de discuter de ce point, faisons un petit préambule.

An introductory speech deemed too long or boring.

This preamble was so long that everyone lost interest.

Ce préambule était tellement long que tout le monde a perdu intérêt.