preface
/ˈprefəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈprefəs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈpre-fəs/ (ame, mw) · /ˈpref.ɪs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈpref.ɪs/ (ame, ipa)
preface — 名詞
- prefacesingular
- prefacesplural
1. a short section at the start of a book where the writer explains the book's purp
序言
書前說明目的或致謝的文字
a short section at the start of a book where the writer explains the book's purpose, background, or thanks.
In the preface, Sofia thanked the nurses who supported her research.
在序言裡，Sofia 感謝了支持她研究的護理師們。
pattern: in the preface
The preface explains why the novelist returned to the same village.
這篇序言說明了那位小說家為什麼又回到同一座村莊。
pattern: the preface explains why
Before chapter one, Hamza read the preface to understand the book's aim.
在第一章之前，Hamza 先讀了序言，想了解這本書的宗旨。
A short preface tells readers how the poems were arranged.
一篇簡短的序言告訴讀者這些詩是如何編排的。
- introduction
Broader word for an opening section; it can also be used for speeches, reports, or courses.
- foreword
A short opening text written by someone other than the author, often as an endorsement.
- prologue
Usually part of the story itself, giving background before the main narrative begins.
- epilogue
A section placed at the end of a book rather than at the beginning.
文法句型
in the preface
read the preface to [book]
用法筆記
Usually written by the author rather than by a guest writer. Distinguish it from a foreword, which is normally contributed by someone else.
常見錯誤
2. something that happens first and shows that a larger or more important event is
前奏
較大事件開始前的先兆或開端
something that happens first and shows that a larger or more important event is about to begin.
The small border clash was a preface to a much wider war.
那場小規模邊境衝突，是更大範圍戰爭的前奏。
pattern: a preface to [later event]
For Xiu, the practice interview was a useful preface to the real test.
對 Xiu 來說，那場模擬面試是正式考驗前很有用的前奏。
That brief speech served as a preface to the mayor's main announcement.
那段簡短的演說成了市長重大宣布前的前奏。
The heated committee debate was a preface to the strike next week.
那場激烈的委員會辯論，是下週罷工的前奏。
- prelude
More literary and often used for music, stories, or dramatic developments.
- forerunner
Stresses that something comes earlier and may lead to or predict what follows.
- harbinger
More literary; often suggests a warning sign rather than just an opening stage.
- aftermath
What comes after an important event rather than before it.
文法句型
a preface to [event]
serve as a preface to [something]
用法筆記
Common in formal writing about politics, history, or public events. It often suggests that the first event points forward to something larger that follows soon after.
preface — 動詞
- prefacepresent simple I / you / we / they
- prefaces3rd person singular
- prefacing-ing form
- prefacedpast simple
1. to start a remark, request, or action by putting another comment or act before t
先說；先做
先加上一句話或動作再進入主題
to start a remark, request, or action by putting another comment or act before the main point.
Esme prefaced her criticism with praise for the team's hard work.
Esme 先說團隊工作很努力，然後才提出批評。
pattern: preface [criticism] with [praise]
Before asking for money, Justin prefaced the request with an apology.
在開口借錢前，Justin 先用一句道歉來鋪墊這個請求。
The coach prefaced the announcement by reminding everyone to stay calm.
教練先提醒大家保持冷靜，才宣布那項消息。
Amani prefaced the ceremony with a song from her hometown.
Amani 先用一首家鄉歌曲，為典禮揭開序幕。
- follow
To come after the main point rather than before it.
文法句型
preface [remarks/request] with [something]
preface [event] by [doing something]
用法筆記
Usually used with nouns like remarks, request, speech, warning, or ceremony. The most common patterns are 'preface something with ...' and 'preface something by ...ing'.