1.
preface; foreword; introductory remarks
Opening remarks placed at the front of a book or paper, explaining its aim and background. A formal term found mainly in academic and scholarly works.
緒言を読む。
To read the preface.
著者は緒言で研究の目的を述べている。
The author states the purpose of the research in the preface.
専門書の緒言には、その分野の背景がまとめられていることが多い。
The preface of a specialist book often summarizes the background of the field.
A formal, written-language word used chiefly in academic books and papers. Also read {ちょげん}. In everyday writing {まえがき} or {はじめに} are far more common.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 序文: preface — a near-synonym; 緒言 sounds more academic.
- まえがき: foreword — the plain, everyday equivalent.
- あとがき: afterword — the closing counterpart placed at the end.