English pronunciation · Words Starting with P
Preface Pronunciation
Preface is pronounced PRE-fuhs, IPA /ˈprɛfəs/.
PRE-fuhs
US /ˈprɛfəs/ · UK /ˈprɛfəs/
Syllables: PRE · fuhs (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
noun and verb: A short introduction at the front of a book, or to say something before the main point.
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Preface in a Sentence
- The preface explains why the book took ten years.
- He prefaced his answer with an apology.
- Skip the preface and start at chapter one.
Common Mispronunciations of Preface
Not pre-FAYS
PRE takes the punch, and the ace ending flattens to a weak fuhs so it never rhymes with face.
Not PREE-fuhs
A long ee at the front belongs to relatives like precede and prefix, never to this one, where the e is as short as in bed.
Tip: Preface and surface close the same quiet way, fuhs against fuhs.
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