prefatorial

9.9

Introducing a book or text by explaining its purpose

adjective
/prɪˈfɛtəriəl/

: prefacial

In her prefatorial introduction, she outlines the key themes of the book.

Examples

The author's notes include several prefatorial remarks that provide context for the main text.
She offers here as well a defense of her writing, which mirrors her prefatorial concerns.

Fiction book (1990)
His prefatorial comments set the stage for an engaging discussion about the topic.

Synonyms

preliminary

vsprefatorial

325 5.2

Happening before a main event to prepare for it

is specifically an introductory preface rather than preparatory steps

introductory

vsprefatorial

35 3.9

About the first part that gives basic facts to beginners

is specifically tied to a preface, not just any opening section

prefatory

vsprefatorial

1 7.6

Giving a short introduction to a book or speech

has identical meaning and common use in books or speeches

preambular

vsprefatorial

Formal

1 8.9

About the introduction at the start of a document or speech

is specific to a preface rather than a general opening

preambulatory

vsprefatorial

Formal

9.9

That introduces the purpose and background at the start of a document or speech

is about an actual preface, not only formal opening lines

liminary

vsprefatorial

Archaic

9.9

Serving as a short introduction before the main text

is the modern term for a preface rather than an archaic form

How Introductory

introductory

35 3.9

prefatorial

9.9

preliminary

325 5.2

Surface Forms

prefatorial positive

Morphology

prefatorial = prefatory (transparent) = prefatory + al

Formed by adding the productive adjective-forming suffix '-al' to the known adjective 'prefatory', preserving the meaning 'relating to a preface'.

Etymology

Prefatorial comes from the word preface and the prefix pre- meaning 'before', with the rest originally from a root meaning 'to make'. So prefatorial describes something that comes before the main text and is 'serving as an introduction'.