prolegomenon
Americannoun
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a preliminary discussion; introductory essay, as prefatory matter in a book; a prologue.
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(sometimes used with a singular verb) Usually prolegomena. a treatise serving as a preface or introduction to a book.
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
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 )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Sovereign Nations is a group that, on its website, describes itself “as a prolegomenon to the formation of a new, and not just sentimental, conservative and Constitutional Republic.”
From Slate ● Feb. 25, 2018
Instead, what emerged from the session was yet another prolegomenon to future negotiations, brokered at the very last minute—and over the objections of many other world leaders—by President Barack Obama.
From The New Yorker ● Aug. 24, 2015
A second prolegomenon: believe it or not, I don’t dislike Brad DeLong.
From Forbes ● Sep. 22, 2014
He gives an account of the various sciences, natural and philosophical, as a prolegomenon to the study of theology, even of the mystic teachings of Vital's Gates of Holiness.
From The Haskalah Movement in Russia by Raisin, Jacob S.
The play, one feels, must remain unique, for the prolegomenon cannot be rewritten while the philosophy is unchanged.
From G. K. Chesterton, A Critical Study by West, Julius
With these prolegomena, he launched into the discussion of the terms we have offered to debtor nations.
From Time Magazine Archive
I hope on some future occasion to treat the subject of the English Folk-tale on a larger scale and with all the necessary paraphernalia of prolegomena and excursus.
From English Fairy Tales by Jacobs, Joseph
During the period from 1805-27 he published a collection—twenty volumes—of old Greek classics, with critical explanations and prolegomena.
From Conversion of a High Priest into a Christian Worker by Golden, M. (Meletios)
The prolegomena are entirely different from those in the other edition, and an elaborate preface is added, giving an account of several editions of the Dance of Death.
From The Dance of Death Exhibited in Elegant Engravings on Wood with a Dissertation on the Several Representations of that Subject but More Particularly on Those Ascribed to Macaber and Hans Holbein by Douce, Francis
I have quoted from "Evolution and Ethics" because to my mind this essay and its prolegomena make Huxley the founder of Scientific and Ethical Socialism.
From Twentieth Century Socialism What It Is Not; What It Is: How It May Come by Kelly, Edmond
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
