How Do You Spell PREFACE?

Pronunciation: [pɹˈɛfəs] (IPA)

The word "preface" is spelled P-R-E-F-A-C-E (/ˈpriːfɪs/). The phonetic transcription highlights the pronunciation of each letter, with stress on the first syllable "pre." This word denotes an introductory statement or essay, typically found at the beginning of a book, explaining its purpose or scope. It derives from the Latin "praefatio," meaning "spoken before," and has been in use since the 14th century. Accurate spelling of this word is essential for effective communication in written texts across various domains.

PREFACE Meaning and Definition

  1. A preface is an introductory section that appears at the beginning of a book or other written work. It is usually written by the author or editor and is considered separate from the main body of the text. The purpose of a preface is to provide context, background information, or an explanation of the author's intentions, motivations, or personal connection to the work.

    In this introductory section, the author often addresses the reader directly, offering insights into the writing process, the inspiration behind the work, or any significant events or circumstances that shaped the content. The preface may also include acknowledgments, expressing the author's gratitude to individuals who assisted or influenced the writing process.

    Prefaces can serve various other purposes as well, such as outlining the structure of the book, explaining the scope or limitations of the work, or discussing any controversial or unconventional elements that may be found in the text. Additionally, a preface can act as a channel for the author to establish credibility or to provide a brief overview of their expertise on the subject matter.

    Overall, a preface sets the stage for the reader, helping to establish a foundation for better understanding and appreciation of the main work. It serves as a doorway into the author's perspective, intentions, and insights, allowing readers to better engage with the content to follow.

  2. • Introductory or explanatory remarks at the commencement of a book; an introduction.
    • To introduce by preliminary remarks; to say something by way of introduction.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PREFACE

Etymology of PREFACE

The word "preface" has its origins in Latin and derives from the word "praefatio". The Latin term "praefatio" means "a saying beforehand" or "a saying in front". This word comes from the verb "praefari", which combines "prae" meaning "before" and "fari" meaning "to speak". From Latin, the word "praefatio" was adopted into Old French as "preface". It then entered Middle English from Old French, maintaining the same meaning of an introductory statement or explanation.

Idioms with the word PREFACE

  • preface sth with sth To preface something with something else means to introduce or begin it with a specific statement, remark, or explanation. It is often used to provide context or background information before presenting the main topic or idea.
  • preface by The idiom "preface by" refers to the act of introducing or beginning a conversation, speech, or written work with a brief explanation or statement that provides context or background information. It is used to set the stage or provide a preamble before the main topic or content is discussed.
  • preface sth by sth The idiom "preface something by something" means to begin or introduce a statement, action, or event by providing some relevant or explanatory information beforehand. It implies setting the stage or giving background context before proceeding with the main subject or action.

Similar spelling words for PREFACE

Plural form of PREFACE is PREFACES

Conjugate verb Preface

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have prefaced
you would have prefaced
he/she/it would have prefaced
we would have prefaced
they would have prefaced
I would have preface
you would have preface
he/she/it would have preface
we would have preface
they would have preface

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been prefacing
you would have been prefacing
he/she/it would have been prefacing
we would have been prefacing
they would have been prefacing

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would preface
you would preface
he/she/it would preface
we would preface
they would preface

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be prefacing
you would be prefacing
he/she/it would be prefacing
we would be prefacing
they would be prefacing

FUTURE

I will preface
you will preface
he/she/it will preface
we will preface
they will preface

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be prefacing
you will be prefacing
he/she/it will be prefacing
we will be prefacing
they will be prefacing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have prefaced
you will have prefaced
he/she/it will have prefaced
we will have prefaced
they will have prefaced

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been prefacing
you will have been prefacing
he/she/it will have been prefacing
we will have been prefacing
they will have been prefacing

IMPERATIVE

you preface
we let´s preface

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to preface

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was prefacing
you were prefacing
he/she/it was prefacing
we were prefacing
they were prefacing

PAST PARTICIPLE

prefaced

PAST PERFECT

I had prefaced
you had prefaced
he/she/it had prefaced
we had prefaced
they had prefaced

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been prefacing
you had been prefacing
he/she/it had been prefacing
we had been prefacing
they had been prefacing

PRESENT

I preface
you preface
he/she/it prefaces
we preface
they preface

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am prefacing
you are prefacing
he/she/it is prefacing
we are prefacing
they are prefacing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

prefacing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have prefaced
you have prefaced
he/she/it has prefaced
we have prefaced
they have prefaced

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been prefacing
you have been prefacing
he/she/it has been prefacing
we have been prefacing
they have been prefacing

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it preface

SIMPLE PAST

I prefaced
you prefaced
he/she/it prefaced
we prefaced
they prefaced

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