preamble

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a preliminary introduction to a statute or constitution (usually explaining its purpose)
verb make a preliminary introduction, usually to a formal document

From Middle English preamble, from Old French preambule (French préambule), from Medieval Latin praeambulum, from praeambulō (“to walk before”).

Without further preamble, he took Helen's arm. — The Silent Barrier, Louis Tracy
“I’ll plunge into the matter without further preamble. — The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle
Then without preamble he said, "Your uncle is a great man, Mr. — The black kiss, Robert Bloch

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