preface

Book's throat-clearing section

A preface is an introductory section at the beginning of a book, typically written by the author to explain the work's purpose, scope, or origins: In her preface, she describes how the project began.

Unlike a foreword, which is written by someone other than the author, a preface comes from the author's own hand.

The verb means to introduce or precede: He prefaced his remarks with an apology.

foreword

prologue

Introductory literary section

forewordIntroductory book section
introductionPreliminary section or presentation
preamblePreliminary statement before content

proem · author's note · opening remarks · exordium · acknowledgments · dedication · epigraph · front matter · preliminaries · editor's note

overview

summary

Condensed account of essentials

synopsisCondensed version of content
abstractCondensed version of text
outlineSummary of key elements

preview · preamble · sketch · overview · condensation · digest · framework · lead-in · orientation · setup

verb

introduce

Make formally known

precedeCome or go first
beginTo start something
openNot closed

lead · prelude · usher · inaugurate · commence · initiate · herald · premise · frame · set up

books

manuscript

Original text before publication

tomeSubstantial scholarly volume
anthologyCollected literary works volume
novelNew and unusual

memoir · autobiography · biography · monograph · treatise · dissertation · compendium · handbook · edition · volume

preface

prologue

summary

introduce

manuscript

preface

Opposites

Categories

Family