The term FOREWORD: ABBR. can be solved by two four-letter words, PREF and INTR. PREF stands for Preface, which is an introduction to a book or other written work, usually written by the author. It typically provides background information about the work and its author. INTR stands for Introduction, which is similar to a preface but is usually written by someone other than the author. An introduction typically provides an overview of the work and its contents.