prefatory
/'prefətəri/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Serving as an introduction or preface: Used to describe something that comes at the beginning and serves to introduce what follows, such as remarks, comments, or a section of a book.
Usage
- The word "prefatory" is a formal adjective. It is typically used to describe introductory material, like notes, chapters, or statements, that prepare the reader or listener for the main content.
- It is often placed before a noun (e.g., prefatory remarks) or used after a linking verb (e.g., The chapter is prefatory).
Examples
- Adjective:
- The author included a few prefatory comments before the first chapter.
- Her prefatory note explained the book's purpose and scope.
- The chairman made some prefatory observations before opening the floor for discussion.
Advanced Usage
- "prefatory to": Serving as an introduction leading into something else.
- The short documentary was prefatory to the main feature film.
- In academic or legal contexts, "prefatory" material often outlines the structure, methodology, or key arguments of the work that follows.
Variants and Related Words
- Preface (n): An introduction to a book, typically stating its subject, scope, or aims.
- The preface was written by a famous scholar.
- Prefatorily (adv): In a prefatory manner.
- He began his speech prefatorily by thanking the organizers.
Synonyms
- Introductory: Serving as an introduction.
- Preliminary: Denoting an action or event preceding or done in preparation for something fuller or more important.
- Opening: Coming at the beginning.
Antonyms
- Concluding: Bringing something to an end.
- Final: Coming at the end of a series.
Related Phrases
- Prefatory material: The collective introductory parts of a book or document, which may include a preface, foreword, or introduction.
- All prefatory material is numbered with Roman numerals.
Adjective
- serving as an introduction or preface