WordGarden.iopreamble
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /prˈiːæmbəl/
US
- /priˈæmbəl/
Meanings
Noun
an opening statement or section before a speech, book, or other text
an introductory section of a law, constitution, or treaty that states its purpose or principles
something that comes before and prepares for what follows
More meaningsFewer meanings
a signal pattern or header sent at the start of a data transmission so the receiver can synchronize or identify the message
Beyond the definition
Imagine building something amazing – a house, a story, even a nation! Before you lay the first brick or write the first sentence, you need to explain why you're doing it. That explanation is a preamble. It's an introductory statement that sets the stage and explains the purpose of what follows. Think of it as a roadmap telling you where things are headed.
The most famous preamble? The one beginning "We the People..." in the United States Constitution! But preambles aren't just for major legal documents. A speaker might offer a brief preamble before delivering a formal speech, or a report might begin with a short preamble that explains its purpose. It's all about setting context and intention.
A preamble is an introductory statement that explains the purpose, intent, or guiding principles behind something – like a law, constitution, treaty, or even a formal speech. It's more than just a simple introduction; it lays out why something is being done, what goals it aims to achieve, and often, the values upon which it's based.
The word comes from the Latin "praeambulus," meaning "to walk before." Think of it as walking ahead of the main content, preparing the way for understanding. Historically, preambles were crucial in legal documents because they clarified the reasoning behind a law, making it easier to interpret and apply.
Today, you'll find preambles in many contexts. The Preamble to the United Nations Charter outlines the organization's commitment to peace and security. A contract might include a preamble explaining the parties involved and their shared objectives. A formal report or public statement may also begin with one that introduces the subject and explains the main aim.
While not always legally binding on its own, a preamble provides essential context for understanding the document or speech it precedes. It's the "why" behind the "what," offering insight into the motivations and principles driving the action. So next time you encounter a preamble, remember it's more than just an introduction – it's a statement of purpose and intent.
Examples
- 1
Research report
The report begins with a short preamble explaining why the research was needed.
- 2
Public speaking
After a long preamble, the speaker finally got to the main announcement.
- 3
Constitutional text
The preamble to the constitution sets out the country’s basic values.
- Patternpreamble to + document
the introductory part of a formal document
- 4
Difficult discussion
His comments served as a preamble to a difficult discussion about money.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Formal decision
Without further preamble, she opened the folder and read the decision aloud.
- Phrasewithout further preamble
without any more introduction
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- constitutional preamble
- without preamble
- lengthy preamble
- preamble to an agreement
Explore
- recitals
- framing statement
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- preamblenounverb
Forms
- preamblespluralnounverb