A foreword is a brief introductory writing found at the beginning of a book or literary work. It is typically authored by an individual distinct from the primary author of the work. The foreword often provides commentary on the content or details an interaction between its writer and the main author. In instances where a book is reissued, a new preface might be added before an existing foreword to address revisions or changes from prior editions.

While an author might write an introductory piece to discuss their writing process and context, this is usually termed a preface. A foreword, in contrast, is conventionally signed and attributed to a contributor separate from the main author. Essential information for understanding the main text is typically found in explanatory notes or an introduction, rather than the foreword or preface. Both forewords and prefaces are part of the front matter, appearing before the main body of the text and often employing separate pagination, commonly using lowercase Roman numerals, distinct from the Arabic numerals used for the main text. When both are present, the foreword usually precedes the preface.

The foreword serves as an introductory element, appearing before the main content of a book. Its primary characteristic is that it is usually written by someone other than the book's author. This contributor often offers insights into the work, perhaps commenting on the narrative or describing their relationship with the primary author. This distinguishes it from a preface, which, when written by the author, might detail the creation process or offer acknowledgments. The foreword is typically signed, clearly attributing it to a specific individual separate from the main writer.

As part of the front matter, the foreword is positioned before the main text of a publication. This section, including the foreword, is usually paginated separately from the primary content, often utilizing lowercase Roman numerals. The main body of the work, in contrast, employs Arabic numerals. When both a foreword and a preface are included in a book, the foreword conventionally appears first, followed by the preface, and then potentially an introduction. The pagination of the introduction can vary, sometimes being grouped with the front matter and other times with the main text.

The term 'foreword' emerged around the mid-17th century. Its initial usage was within the field of philology. It is believed to be a linguistic borrowing, possibly a calque, from the German word 'Vorwort.' The German term itself is derived from the Latin word 'praefatio,' indicating an early connection to introductory or preceding statements.