Preamble — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈprē-ˌam-bəl/ pre·am·ble

Meaning & Definition of Preamble

Preamble (noun)

  1. an introductory statement; especially, the introductory part of a constitution or statute that usually states the reasons for and intent of the law
  2. an introductory fact or circumstance; especially, one indicating what is to follow

Preamble (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event

    "the round of hors d'oeuvres was merely the preamble to an evening of lavish feasting"

    similar: curtain-raiser, overture, preliminary, prelude, prologue, warm-up
    related: countdown, run-up (chiefly British), lead-in, kickoff, start

  2. a short section (as of a book) that leads to or explains the main part

    "an insightful analysis of the preamble to the Constitution of the United States"

    similar: exordium, foreword, intro, introduction, preface, prelude, proem, prologue, prolusion
    related: beginning, commencement, initiation, opening, origin, origination, outset, start
    opposite: epilogue
    near: envoi, postscript, aftermath, cessation, close, closing, conclusion, end, finale, finish, stop, termination

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Preamble

The most common words with a similar meaning to Preamble:

curtain-raiser, overture, preliminary, prelude, prologue, warm-up, exordium, foreword, intro, introduction, preface, proem, prolusion

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Preamble

Words with the opposite meaning of Preamble:

epilogue

Related Words for Preamble

countdown, run-up, lead-in, kickoff, start, beginning, commencement, initiation, opening, origin, origination, outset

Near Antonyms of Preamble

envoi, postscript, aftermath, cessation, close, closing, conclusion, end, finale, finish, stop, termination

Origin & Etymology of Preamble

Middle English, from Middle French preambule, from Medieval Latin preambulum, from Late Latin, neuter of praeambulus walking in front of, from Latin prae- + ambulare to walk

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Preamble

without preamble

Frequently Asked Questions about Preamble

What does "Preamble" mean?

"Preamble" means an introductory statement; especially, the introductory part of a constitution or statute that usually states the reasons for and intent of the law. As a noun, it is defined as: an introductory statement; especially, the introductory part of a constitution or statute that usually states the reasons for and intent of the law. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Preamble"?

Other words for "Preamble" include curtain-raiser, overture, preliminary, prelude, prologue, warm-up, exordium and foreword. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Preamble" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Preamble"?

There are 25 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Preamble". Common alternatives include curtain-raiser, overture, preliminary, prelude, prologue, warm-up, exordium, foreword, intro and introduction.

What is the opposite of "Preamble"?

Antonyms of "Preamble" include epilogue. Near antonyms include envoi, postscript, aftermath and cessation.

How do you use "Preamble" in a sentence?

Examples of "Preamble" in a sentence: "the round of hors d'oeuvres was merely the preamble to an evening of lavish feasting"; "an insightful analysis of the preamble to the Constitution of the United States".

Is "Preamble" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Preamble" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Preamble"?

"Preamble" is pronounced /ˈprē-ˌam-bəl/ and divided into syllables as pre·am·ble.

What is the origin of the word "Preamble"?

"Preamble" comes from Middle English, from Middle French preambule, from Medieval Latin preambulum, from Late Latin, neuter of praeambulus walking in front of, from Latin prae- + ambulare to walk. First known use: 14th century.