Preamble Meaning
/ˈpɹiːˌambəl/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounA short preliminary statement or remark, especially an explanatory introduction to a formal document or statute.
nounA syncword.
Sentence Examples
I'll plunge into the matter without further preamble.
Tom can recite the preamble to the U.S. Constitution from heart.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Before the main speech, the chairman read a short ____ that explained the purpose of the meeting.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ to the constitution sets out the fundamental principles and purposes of the document.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English preamble, from Old French preambule (French préambule), from Medieval Latin praeambulum, from praeambulō (“to walk before”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"There was, however, one proposal which, had it reached fruition, might have had far-reaching effects. This was for the amalgamation of the Caledonian, the Edinburgh & Glasgow, and the Scottish Central Railways, for which a Bill was promoted, but rejected by the Parliamentary Committee on the grounds that the preamble was not proved."
— 1960 January 26, M. D. Greville, “Scottish Railways in 1860”, in Railway Magazine, page 53:
"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."
— 2023 November 1, Robert Drysdale, “Leven is nearly back on track...”, in RAIL, number 995, page 58:
"And lest any man should think her intent was to unnestle ill neighbours, and not to aid good neighbours, or that she was readier to restore what was invaded by others than to render what was in her own hands; see if the time provided not a new occasion afterwards, when through their own division, without the intermise of strangers, her forces were again sought and required; she forsook them not, prevailed so far as to be possessed of the castle of Edinburgh, the principal strength of that kingdom, with peace, incontinently, without cunctations or cavillations, the preambles of a wavering faith, she rendered with all honour and security; and his person to safe and faithful hands; and so ever after during his minority continued his principal guardian and protector."
— a. 1603, Francis Bacon, Discourse in the Praise of Queen Elizabeth:
"But these things being beside my main design, I will desist from preambling and come to the materials I have collected towards a history of the Baptists in this province."
— 1867, Simeon Thayer, Edwin Martin Stone, The Invasion of Canada in 1775: Including the Journal of Captain Simeon Chaper, pages 312–313:
"Once I was young and had so much more orientation and could talk with nervous intelligence about everything and with clarity and without as much literary preambling as this; in other words this is the story of an unself-confident man, at the same time of an egomaniac."
— 1982, Frank Davey, Pomestaysyun, page 20:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Before the main speech, the chairman read a short ____ that explained the purpose of the meeting.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ to the constitution sets out the fundamental principles and purposes of the document.