prolegomenon
[proh-li-gom-uh-non, -nuh n]
- a preliminary discussion; introductory essay, as prefatory matter in a book; a prologue.
- Usually prolegomena. (sometimes used with a singular verb) a treatise serving as a preface or introduction to a book.
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Origin of prolegomenon
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
ingress, awakening, insertion, preface, primer, lead, addition, preamble, admittance, lead-in, initiation, presentation, foreword, opening, inauguration, overture, inception, installation, establishment, preludeExamples from the Web for prolegomena
Historical Examples
For the full development of these views, see Wellhausen's Prolegomena.
The Expositor's Bible: The First Book of KingsF. W. Farrar
Philology can, however, furnish no more than the prolegomena to mythology.
Studies of the Greek Poets (Vol I of 2)John Addington Symonds
As he adds in the Prolegomena, the glove of one hand cannot be used for the other hand.
A Commentary to Kant's 'Critique of Pure Reason'Norman Kemp Smith
This, indeed, is how they are viewed in the earlier sections of the Prolegomena.
A Commentary to Kant's 'Critique of Pure Reason'Norman Kemp Smith
The author of the Prolegomena to Æsthetics recoiled from "too much temperament."
The Divine FireMay Sinclair
prolegomenon
- (often plural) a preliminary discussion, esp a formal critical introduction to a lengthy text
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Word Origin
C17: from Greek, from prolegein, from pro- ² + legein to say
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for prolegomena
prolegomenon
n.
1650s, "learned preamble to a book," from Greek prolegomenon, noun use of neuter passive present participle of prolegein "to say beforehand," from pro- "before" (see pro-) + legein "to speak" (see lecture (n.)) + suffix -menos (as in alumnus). The same sense is in preface (n.). Related: Prolegomenary; prolegomenous.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper