Something spoken as introductory to a discourse, or written as introductory to a book or essay; a proem; an introduction, or series of preliminary remarks.

The prelude or introduction to the canon of the Mass.

To introduce by a preface; to give a preface to; as, to preface a book discourse.

The author's introduction to a book.

Part of the preliminary matter in a book; it usually explains the purpose of the book or acts as a general introduction. to top

The introductory portion of the book that usually explains why the book was written, what it is about or how to use it.

a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book

furnish with a preface or introduction; "She always precedes her lectures with a joke"; "He prefaced his lecture with a critical remark about the institution"

Introductory section of a book, usually written by the author. May contain information on why the book was written or how to use the book.

A note preceding the body of a book which states the origin, purpose, and scope of the work.

Introductory statement by the author. [Back to the Top

An explanation, generally by the author, of the purpose, scope, and background of the book presented in a page or a few pages proceeding the text.

Preliminary statement, usually written by the author of a work, which states its origin, scope, purpose, plan, and intended audience, and which sometimes includes afterthoughts and acknowledgments of assistance. When written by a person other than the author, it is called a foreword. The preface or foreword is distinct from the introduction, which deals with the subject of the work.

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The author's discussion of the various aspects of the creation of the book. Follows the title page of the book.

The author's discussion of the various aspects of the creation of the book that precedes the text of the work but follows the title page.

An element of a book's frontmatter. In the preface, the author may discuss the purpose behind the format of the book, the type of research upon which it is based, its genesis, or underlying philosophy.

Introductory remarks that may provide the reason for the book along with the goals and scope of the book, written by the author as part of the front matter.

Author's introductory statement.