rhizoverbBeta
DictionarypreambleIntroductory statement
noun

preamble

PREE-am-bul/ˈpriːæmbl/

An introductory statement before a document, speech, or main action.

The speaker finishes the preamble before opening the binder for the main address.

A compact two-stage view of opening remarks followed by the main formal address: the same speaker first addresses a listener from a small introductory card resting above a closed presentation binder, then sets that card aside and begins speaking from the opened binder.
Etymology
preLatinbefore
+ambleLatinto walk

The underlying image is “walking before”: a preamble goes ahead of the main text. This became a preliminary statement, often explaining the purpose of the formal document that follows.

In context

Odd Origins3:52
These conquest lists are a genre. They are called mikirti. A formulaic praise preamble stapled onto the front of what is usually a land grant.
The Empire That Carved Its Government Into Stone

More examples

  • After a lengthy preamble, he finally made his request.
  • The agreement opens with a short preamble.
  • She skipped the preamble and began the demonstration.

Forms

preamble · preambles

Similar words

introduction
Introduction is the general opening section; a preamble often states purposes or prepares for the main business.
preface
A preface introduces a book; a preamble commonly precedes a formal document or speech.