preamble

CEFRB2

/ˈpɹiːˌambəl/

noun · verb

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    noun

    An introduction that explains the purpose of a document or speech.

  2. 02

    noun

    Extra detail

    A precursor.

Examples

  • I'll plunge into the matter without further preamble.

  • Tom can recite the preamble to the U.S. Constitution from heart.

At a glance

Sits at B2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
2
Citations
5
Synonyms
5

Also pronounced

  • /ˈpriˌæmb(ə)l/

Deep Dive

noun

Extra meanings

  1. A syncword.

  2. A short preliminary statement or remark, especially an explanatory introduction to a formal document or statute.

verb

Extra meaning

  1. To speak or write a preamble; to provide a preliminary statement or set of remarks.

More examples

In context

  • High winds are often a preamble to a winter storm.

  • The consultation preamble explains: "The planned timetable will be introduced in 2025 once we have completed the necessary steps required to ensure that we have enough resources to do so.

  • So, what say we skip the preambling. Is it women? Money? Writer's block?

Synonyms

Antonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

Before the main speech, the chairman read a short blank that explained the purpose of the meeting.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

noun

From Middle English preamble, from Old French preambule (French préambule), from Medieval Latin praeambulum, from praeambulō (“to walk before”).