prolegomenon

[proh-li-gom-uh-non, -nuh n]

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noun, plural pro·le·gom·e·na [proh-li-gom-uh-nuh] /ˌproʊ lɪˈgɒm ə nə/.

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.

Origin of prolegomenon

1645–55; < New Latin < Greek prolegómenon, neuter of passive present participle of prolégein to say beforehand, equivalent to pro- pro-² + légein to say (akin to lógos logos)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for prolegomenon

ingress, awakening, insertion, preface, primer, lead, addition, preamble, admittance, lead-in, initiation, presentation, foreword, opening, inauguration, overture, inception, installation, establishment, prelude

Examples from the Web for prolegomenon

Historical Examples of prolegomenon

The play, one feels, must remain unique, for the prolegomenon cannot be rewritten while the philosophy is unchanged.
G. K. Chesterton, A Critical Study
Julius West
The miscellanies really stand to the novels in the relation of a sort of prolegomenon.
Balzac
Frederick Lawton

British Dictionary definitions for prolegomenon

prolegomenon

noun plural -na (-nə)

(often plural) a preliminary discussion, esp a formal critical introduction to a lengthy text

Derived Formsprolegomenal, adjective

Word Origin for prolegomenon

C17: from Greek, from prolegein, from pro- ² + legein to say

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

Word Origin and History for prolegomenon

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.