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preamble
introduction to a text (or speech)
precedent
something that sets an example for how things are done in the future
tantalize
tease and torment with temptation
presage
to indicate something (usually bad) is about to happen
pretentious
acting more important than others by pretending to know more
pyrrhic
victory at a high cost
prescient
having knowledge about something before it happens
pretense
a claim or assertion not based on fact
laconic
using as few words as possible when speaking
predilection
special fondness for something
predecessor
one that comes before (usually a person) who previouly held a position before passing it on to someone else
draconian
extremely strict
precipitate
acting without thinking
precursor
something that comes before another; used only for things
jeremiad
long speech full of complaints
presentiment
a feeling that something (typically bad) is about to happen
pretext
a reason given for something that is not the actual reason
cicerone
sightseeing guide
predicate
to be based on
precocious
preclude
to make it impossible for something to happen