Introductory part (recital) of a bill, constitution, or statute that sets out in detail the underlying facts and assumptions, and explains its intent and objectives. Its objective is to clarify the meaning or purpose of the operative part of the text in case of an ambiguity or dispute. However, preamble prevails only where it provides a clear and definite interpretation whereas the meaning of the enacting words is indefinite or unclear.

Use preamble in a sentence

  • The bill had to be presented in short order for an upcoming vote, but not before the entire preamble had been rewritten and reworded.

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  • The senator started the meeting by reading the short preamble to the bill that he was there to get passed into law.

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  • The preamble of the constitution is often the only part that people know, since many public schools require that students memorize it.

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