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preambulatory

preambulatory

9.9
That introduces the purpose and background at the start of a document or speech
  • adjective
  • /priˈæmbjəˌlɔri/
  • Formal
translation icon : preambular
  • The report began with a preambulatory paragraph outlining the goals of the study.

Examples

  • The lawyer included a preambulatory section in the contract to clarify its intentions.

  • In her speech, the ambassador provided a preambulatory overview of the current diplomatic relations.

  • Yet, conversely, Schwend, Werth, and Johnston (2000) demonstrated that there did not appear to be a correlation between preambulatory status and NAT femur fractures.

    Academic text (2006)

Synonyms

preparatory
vspreambulatory
15 4.7

To help get ready for something

applies to introductory parts in formal documents rather than general preparation
preambular
vspreambulatory
  • Formal
1 8.9

About the introduction at the start of a document or speech

is used specifically for formal documents and official statements
prefatory
vspreambulatory
1 7.6

Giving a short introduction to a book or speech

is mainly used for formal documents and official statements
prefatorial
vspreambulatory
9.9

Introducing a book or text by explaining its purpose

is more tied to formal documents and official statements

How Introductory

introductory
35 3.9
prefatory
1 7.6
preambulatory
  • Formal
9.9
preliminary
325 5.2

Surface Forms

preambulatory positive

Morphology

preambulatory = preamble (transparent) = preamble + atory

The adjective is directly formed from 'preamble' with a standard adjectival suffix '-atory', so its meaning 'relating to a preamble' is clear to learners who know 'preamble'.

Etymology

Preambulatory comes from preamble, made of prae- 'before' and ambulare 'to walk', the same root you see in the word amble. So a preambulatory part 'walks before' the main text and gives a short introduction or explanation.