preface
noun [ C ] uk/ˈpref.ɪs/ us/ˈpref.ɪs/
序言，前言
an introduction at the beginning of a book explaining its purpose, thanking people who helped the author, etc.
In his preface, the author says that he took eight years to write the book. 在前言中，作者说他写这本书用了8年。
a preface to something …的序幕（或前奏）
an event that comes before something more important
We're hoping these talks could be a preface to peace. 我们希望这些会谈能拉开和平的序幕。
People often deny prejudice as a preface to saying something racist.
Naval ships circled the island as a preface to invasion.
These remarks served as a preface to his announcement that he was leaving the firm.
He used to sling an arm around my shoulder as a preface to asking a particularly awkward question.
preface
verb [ T ] formal uk/ˈpref.ɪs/ us/ˈpref.ɪs/
为…写序言;作为…的开端（或序幕）
If you preface your words or actions with something else, you say or do this other thing first.
Each work is prefaced by a descriptive note and concludes with an author's note. 每一作品都以说明性文字作开端，以作者自己的批注为结尾。
I should like to preface my response with the following observation. 我想以以下评论作为我回应的开头。