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preamble

noun/priˈæmbəl/

definition

an introductory statement or preliminary explanation

example

The preamble of the constitution outlines the fundamental principles upon which the country is built.

synonyms
introductionprefaceforeword
word origin — from Latin 'preambulus', meaning 'going before'

preamble, precedence, precipice, predilection, prerogative: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 183. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. preamble · noun/priˈæmbəl/

    an introductory statement or preliminary explanation

    The preamble of the constitution outlines the fundamental principles upon which the country is built.

    Synonyms: introduction, preface, foreword

    Origin: from Latin 'preambulus', meaning 'going before'

  2. precedence · noun/ˈprɛsɪdəns/

    the condition of being considered more important than something else

    In any successful organization, customer satisfaction should take precedence over profits.

    Synonyms: priority, importance, primacy

    Origin: Late Middle English, from Old French 'precedence', from Latin 'praecedent- 'meaning 'going before' (from 'praecedere').

  3. precipice · noun/ˈprɛsɪpɪs/

    a very steep or overhanging rock face

    Standing at the edge of the precipice, she felt a rush of exhilaration and fear as she gazed down into the abyss below.

    Synonyms: cliff, crag, steep

    Origin: from Latin 'praecipitium' meaning 'a falling or headlong' derived from 'praecipitem', which is the accusative singular form of 'praecipit', meaning 'headlong, steep'.

  4. predilection · noun/ˌprɛdɪˈlɛkʃən/

    a preference or special liking for something

    Her predilection for classical music was evident in her extensive vinyl collection.

    Synonyms: preference, liking, fondness

    Origin: from the late 17th century, derived from French 'prédilection', from Latin 'praedilectio(n-)', from 'praediligere' meaning 'to prefer'.

  5. prerogative · noun/prɪˈrɔɡ.ə.tɪv/

    a right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or group

    As the CEO, it's her prerogative to make the final decision on all major company policies.

    Synonyms: privilege, right, entitlement

    Origin: Late Latin 'prerogativa', from Latin 'praerogativa', meaning 'a right asked beforehand'