Frontispiece - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A frontispiece is an illustration or decorative design at the beginning of a book, usually facing the title page. It often sets the tone or theme for the content.
Definition:
An illustration facing the title page of a book, often decorative or thematic.
Synonyms:
illustration, title-page picture, decorative page
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
back matter, appendix
Common Collocations:
book frontispiece, engraved frontispiece, elaborate frontispiece
Derivatives:
frontispieces (plural), frontispieced (rare)
Usage Tips:
Use "frontispiece" to refer specifically to the decorative illustration opposite a book's title page.
Common Phrases:
ornate frontispiece, historical frontispiece, illustrated frontispiece
Etymology:
From French "frontispice," derived from Latin "frontispicium," meaning façade or forehead inspection.
Examples:
- 1. The frontispiece of the novel featured a detailed landscape painting.
- 2. She admired the engraved frontispiece before reading the book.
- 3. The antique book’s frontispiece was faded but still beautiful.
- 4. Modern books rarely include an elaborate frontispiece like older editions.