preface
To introduce or begin with introductory remarks
Examples
In a meeting
“Let me preface this discussion by acknowledging everyone's hard work.”
Over coffee
“I should preface this story by saying I was really tired.”
Why this word
introduction
Preface is specifically a preliminary statement by the author, while introduction can be by anyone or more general
foreword
Preface is written by the author about the work, while foreword is written by someone else
prologue
Preface addresses the reader about the book itself, while prologue is part of the narrative story
Usage tip
Use when you need to provide context or a disclaimer before your main point
Etymology
Latin: prae- (before) + fari (to speak)
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Related words
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly in few words.
ambiguous
Open to more than one interpretation; not clear or decided.
convey
To communicate or make an idea, feeling, or meaning known.
reiterate
To say something again for emphasis or clarity.
paraphrase
To restate something in different words to make it clearer or shorter.