# preface

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈpɹɛfəs/ · frequency rank #17,448

## Definitions
1. A beginning or introductory portion that comes before the main text of a document or book, typically serving to contextualize or explain the writing of the book and sometimes to acknowledge others' contributions; especially, such a discussion written by the work's own author.
2. An introduction, or series of preliminary remarks.
3. A variable prayer forming the prelude or introduction to the Eucharistic Prayer or canon of the Mass, following the Sursum corda dialogue and leading into the Sanctus.
4. A title or epithet.

## Etymology
Late 14th century, from Middle English preface, prefas, from Old French preface (from which derives the modern French préface), from Medieval Latin prefātia, for classical Latin praefātiō (“a saying beforehand”), from praefor (“to speak beforehand”), from prae- (“beforehand”) + for (“to speak”).

## Easily confused with
- **prepare** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/preface-vs-prepare)
- **prefect** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/preface-vs-prefect)
- **profane** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/preface-vs-profane)
- **pregame** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/preface-vs-pregame)
- **prelate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/preface-vs-prelate)
- **peace** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/peace-vs-preface)
- **preach** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/preach-vs-preface)
- **predate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/predate-vs-preface)

## Common misspellings (10)
`perface`, `ppreface`, `preafce`, `prefacce`, `prefaec`, `prefcae`, `prefface`, `prfeace`, `prreface`, `rpeface`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/preface