noun
preamble
PREE-am-buhl
Preamble (noun) means an introductory statement placed at the start of a document, law or constitution that explains its purpose and the reasoning behind it. Example: “The Preamble to the US Constitution begins "We the People".”
noun
1
An introductory statement placed at the start of a document, law or constitution that explains its purpose and the reasoning behind it.
"The Preamble to the US Constitution begins "We the People"."
"The treaty's preamble sets out the principles both governments agreed to uphold."
2
Introductory remarks or delay before someone gets to the main point of what they are saying.
"She launched into the bad news without preamble."
"After ten minutes of preamble he finally named a price."
How to use preamble
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe bit at the beginning that explains what is coming and why.
When to use it
Neutral. The legal-document sense is formal; "without preamble" is a common set phrase in ordinary writing.
Easily confused with
preamble vs preface
preamble vs amble
Common pairings
without preamble
the preamble to the constitution
brief preamble
preamble states
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The _____ to the US Constitution begins "We the People".
Etymology
From Latin praeambulus "walking in front", from prae- "before" + ambulare "to walk", reaching English through Old French preambule.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for preamble
See all rhymes for preamble →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a preamble and a preface?
A preamble is part of the document itself and usually states its purpose or guiding principles, as in a law or constitution. A preface sits outside the main work and is written about it, often explaining how the book came to be. A preamble carries legal or formal weight; a preface rarely does.
Is a preamble legally binding?
Usually not on its own. A preamble states purpose and intent rather than enforceable rules, but courts often read it to work out what the operative clauses were meant to achieve.
What does "without preamble" mean?
It means someone got straight to the point with no introduction or throat-clearing first.
What is the meaning of preamble?
"preamble" (noun) means an introductory statement placed at the start of a document, law or constitution that explains its purpose and the reasoning behind it.
