preface
/ˈprefɪs; `prɛfɪs/ n
1 introductory statement atthe beginning of a book, esp one that explains the author'saims 序言; 前言. Cf 参看 foreword, introduction 2.
2 preliminary part of a speech 开场白; 引语. preface, v [Tn.pr]
1 ~ sth with sth provide sth with a preface(1) 给某书作序
He prefaced the diaries with a short account of how they were discovered. 他给这本日记写了序言, 简述日记发现的经过.
2 ~ sth with sth/by doing sth begin or introduce (a speech, etc) 开始（讲话等）; 作（讲话等的）开场白
She prefaced her talk with an apology/by apologizing for being late. 她先为迟到表示歉意, 然後开始讲话.