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

As Chin writes in a prefatory author’s note, her family’s history traveled down to her primarily via oral history.

From Washington Post

I dropped the prefatory clause, since everyone ignores anyway.

From Salon

The prefatory clause has been dismissed as but one application of the operative clause, which establishes an individual right of gun ownership for purposes of self-defense.

From Washington Post

Heller, the majority concluded that despite the prefatory language relating to a militia, the amendment created an individual right to keep and bear arms.

From Washington Times

The compass allows you to navigate out of sight of land and, naturally, Edward Wright’s prefatory letter to On the Magnet mentions the circumnavigations of the Earth by English sailors.

From Literature