Préface (en. Preface)

/pʁe.fas/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
Introduction of a book that presents the work and its author.
The preface of this novel explains the historical context.
La préface de ce roman explique le contexte historique.
Text that precedes a work to explain its meaning.
He added a preface to his essay to clarify his intentions.
Il a ajouté une préface à son essai pour clarifier ses intentions.
Letter of recommendation that opens a book.
The preface of the work was written by a famous writer.
La préface de l'ouvrage a été écrite par un célèbre écrivain.

Etymology

From the Latin 'praefatio', composed of 'prae-' (before) and 'fari' (to speak).

Common Phrases and Expressions

to write a preface
To write an introduction for a work.
écrire une préface
preface of a book
Introductory text that presents the content of a book.
préface d'un livre
very laudatory preface
Introduction that praises the work or the author.
préface très laudative

Related Words

foreword
Text that precedes the work, similar to the preface.
avant-propos
prologue
Introduction of a work that situates the action in a narrative.
prologue

Slang Meanings

informal introduction
The preface of this book is too simple.
La préface de ce livre est trop simple.
preliminary remark
He made a preface before discussing the subject.
Il a fait une préface avant de parler du sujet.