Preamble
/priˈæm.bəl/noun
An introductory statement or preliminary explanation to a document or speech.
Did you know?The term 'preamble' is often associated with the opening of important documents, like the U.S. Constitution, setting a ceremonial tone that feels almost magical.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
preambulus
“Going before; introductory.”
Old French
Old French
preambule
“An introduction or preliminary statement.”
14th Century
Middle English
preambule
“A formal introduction to a legal document.”
Modern English
English
preamble
“An introductory statement, especially in legal contexts.”