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- Préface - meaning & definition
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Translate Files Préface (en. Preface)
/pʁe.fas/
Meaning & Definition
EnglishFrench
noun
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.
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.
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.