Word: preamble (noun)

Associations

The word "preamble" means an introduction or a beginning part of a text, speech, or document. It usually explains the purpose or gives background information before the main content starts.

• In a legal document, the preamble explains why the document was written.
• In a speech, the preamble might be a short introduction to prepare the audience.
• In a book, the preamble can be a few sentences or a paragraph that sets the scene.

A similar word is "introduction," but "preamble" is often used for formal or official texts, like laws or constitutions, while "introduction" is more general and used for books, essays, or speeches.

Substitution

You can replace "preamble" with:

• introduction (more general)
• foreword (used in books, often written by someone other than the author)
• prologue (used in stories or plays, before the main part)

Each word changes the tone or type of text. For example, "prologue" is more literary, while "preamble" is more formal and legal.

Deconstruction

The word "preamble" comes from Latin:

• "prae-" means "before"
• "ambulus" means "to walk" Together, it means "to walk before," or "to go before," which fits because a preamble comes before the main text.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you heard or read a preamble? What was it introducing?
• How is a preamble different from just starting a story or speech immediately?
• Why do you think some documents need a preamble? What does it add?