How to pronounce preface
Say it like PREF-us. Preface has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PREF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce preface. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PREF
- us
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Preface pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PREFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- usKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of preface
American and British speakers say preface in essentially the same way: /ˈprɛfəs/ in the US and /ˈprɛfəs/ in the UK.
British respelling: PREF-us.
What does preface mean?
- A beginning or introductory portion that comes before the main text of a document or book, typically serving to contextualize or explain the writing of the book and sometimes to acknowledge others' contributions; especially, such a discussion written by the work's own author.“The book included a brief preface explaining the author's motivations for writing.”
- An introduction, or series of preliminary remarks.
- A variable prayer forming the prelude or introduction to the Eucharistic Prayer or canon of the Mass, following the Sursum corda dialogue and leading into the Sanctus.
- To introduce or make a comment before (the main point); to premise.“Let me preface this by saying that I don't know him that well.”
- To give a preface to.“to preface a book”
Where does preface come from?
Late 14th century, from Middle English preface, prefas, from Old French preface (from which derives the modern French préface), from Medieval Latin prefātia, for classical Latin praefātiō (“a saying beforehand”), from praefor (“to speak bef
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying preface
How do you pronounce preface?
Say PREF-us. The American pronunciation is /ˈprɛfəs/. In British English it is /ˈprɛfəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in preface?
Preface has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PREF). Broken into parts: PREF · us.
Do Americans and Brits say preface the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈprɛfəs/ and the British form is /ˈprɛfəs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.