preface Synonym

foreword - introduction - introductory note - prologue - preamble - opening remarks

A preface is a preliminary section at the beginning of a book or other written work, usually written by the author. It often explains the motivation behind the work, its purpose, scope, and how it came to be written. The preface may describe the research process, acknowledge people who contributed, and clarify the intended audience. Unlike the main text, it is more personal and reflective in tone. A preface can also outline how the book is organized and suggest how readers might best use it. It is typically optional reading and comes before the main chapters.