prefatory

[ pref-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of a preface:

   prefatory explanations.

prefatory

/ ˌprɛfəˈtɔːrɪəl; ˈprɛfətərɪ; -trɪ /

adjective

1. of, involving, or serving as a preface; introductory

Derived Forms

• ˈprefatorily, adverb

Other Words From

• prefa·tori·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of prefatory¹

1665–75; < Latin praefāt ( iō ) preface + -ory ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of prefatory¹

C17: from Latin praefārī to say in advance; see preface

Example Sentences

Clusters of prefatory tags (“the ancient Greek philosopher Plato”) alternate with definitions of standard tropes and devices.

From The Daily Beast

Consequently, an important aspect of Shakespeare, even Prefatory Shakespeare, is missing.

From The Daily Beast

He tried some small prefatory Siege or scalade of Pesth; could not do it; and came his ways home again, as the best course.

From Project Gutenberg

The contents of the Epic were described in some prefatory verses, and the number of couplets in each Book was stated.

From Project Gutenberg

The foregoing thoughts are prefatory to the much-mooted question of Mr. Lincoln's religious belief.

From Project Gutenberg

Unfortunately for my desires, I can only be prefatory in the case of my own.

From Project Gutenberg

In April he sends her "an inclosure for Power" to be forwarded immediately—and this was probably the prefatory letter.

From Project Gutenberg