A preamble is an introduction that comes before something you say or write.
The controversy has arisen over the text of the preamble to the unification treaty. [+ to/of]
'I would like you to return to the villa as soon as possible,' she said without preamble.
Synonyms: introduction, prelude, preface, foreword More Synonyms of preamble
preamble in British English
(priːˈæmbəl)
noun
1.
a preliminary or introductory statement, esp attached to a statute or constitution setting forth its purpose
2.
a preliminary or introductory conference, event, fact, etc
Word origin
C14: from Old French préambule, from Late Latin praeambulum walking before, from Latin prae- before + ambulāre to walk
preamble in American English
(ˈpriˌæmbəl; priˈæmbəl)
noun
1.
an introduction, esp. one to a constitution, statute, etc., stating the reasons for it and its purpose
2.
an introductory fact, event, etc.; preliminary
SIMILAR WORDS: ˌintroˈduction
Word origin
ME < MFr preambule < ML praeambulum, neut. of LL praeambulus, going before < L praeambulare, to precede < prae-, before + ambulare, to go: see amble
Examples of 'preamble' in a sentence
preamble
The longer your preamble, the less likely it is you'll get to the end.
The Sun (2016)
The longer your preamble, the less likely it is you'll get to the end.
The Sun (2016)
The curators allow themselves a lengthy preamble to their chosen years.
The Times Literary Supplement (2010)
Not much preamble required here.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
This long preamble is just a way of reassuring you that I too feel the lash.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
That's a long preamble to my subject, but you will see the relevance presently.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
(noun)
Definition
an introduction that comes before something spoken or written
the principles contained in the preamble to the Chinese constitution
Synonyms
introduction
In her introduction to the book she provides a summary of the ideas.
prelude
the prelude to his book of poems
preface
the preface to the English edition of the novel
foreword
the foreword to this very special cookery book
overture
the William Tell Overture
opening move
proem
prolegomenon
exordium
opening statement or remarks
Additional synonyms
in the sense of exordium
Synonyms
introduction,
opening,
beginning,
prelude,
preface,
preamble,
foreword,
prologue,
opening remarks,
proem,
prolegomenon
in the sense of foreword
Definition
an introductory statement to a book
the foreword to this very special cookery book
Synonyms
introduction,
preliminary,
preface,
preamble,
prologue,
prolegomenon
in the sense of overture
Definition
a piece of orchestral music played at the beginning of an opera, oratorio, ballet, musical comedy, or film, often containing the main musical themes of the work