propaedeutic

[ proh-pi-doo-tik, -dyoo- ]

adjectiveAlso pro·pae·deu·ti·cal.
  1. pertaining to or of the nature of preliminary instruction.

  2. introductory to some art or science.

noun
  1. a propaedeutic subject or study.

  2. propaedeutics, (used with a singular verb) the preliminary body of knowledge and rules necessary for the study of some art or science.

Origin of propaedeutic

1
1830–40; pro-2 + Greek paideutikós pertaining to teaching, equivalent to paideú(ein) to teach (derivative of paîs child; cf. pedo-1) + -tikos-tic

Words Nearby propaedeutic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use propaedeutic in a sentence

  • Ancient logic would be the propaedeutic or gate of approach to logical science,—nothing more.

    Euthydemus | Plato
  • With him, this propaedeutic discipline, this tool of truth, perfectly performs its task of construction.

British Dictionary definitions for propaedeutic

propaedeutic

/ (ˌprəʊpɪˈdjuːtɪk) /


noun
  1. (often plural) preparatory instruction basic to further study of an art or science

adjectiveAlso: propaedeutical
  1. of, relating to, or providing such instruction

Origin of propaedeutic

1
C19: from Greek propaideuein to teach in advance, from pro- ² + paideuein to rear

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012