Definition:
Preface- “an introduction at the beginning of a book explaining its purpose, thanking people who helped the author, etc.”
Harper, Douglas. "Preface." Online Etymology Dictionary, Douglas Harper, www.etymonline.com/word/preface. Accessed 6 Sept. 2022.
Informal Definition:
Preface is a literary term that is used to introduce a piece of literature such as a book. A preface usually states its subject, scope, characters, etc. The beginning of a book usually has a preface in order to set the scene/scenario for the reader. In non-fiction literature, a preface can be used to thank the authors/editors, set the time period or events that occur in the work, or mention the process in which the work of literature was created.
Etymology:
late 14c., "an introduction to the canon of the Mass," also "statement or statements introducing a discourse, book, or other composition; series of preliminary remarks, written or spoken," from Old French preface "opening part of sung devotions" (14c.) and directly from Medieval Latin prefatia, from Latin praefationem (nominative praefatio) "fore-speaking, introduction," in Medieval Latin "prologue," noun of action from past participle stem of praefari "to say beforehand," from prae "before" (see pre-) + fari "speak," from PIE root *bha- (2) "to speak, tell, say."
"Preface." Cambridge Dictionary, Cambridge UP, dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/preface. Accessed 6 Sept. 2022.