prolegomenon
Americannoun
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prolegomena
plural
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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
Therefore have I chosen, in this prolegomenon, to unload my burden of thanks at thy feet, for the favour with which thou last kindly entertained the Tales of my Landlord.
From The Heart of Mid-Lothian, Volume 1 by Sir Walter Scott
The miscellanies really stand to the novels in the relation of a sort of prolegomenon.
From Balzac by Frederick Lawton
With these prolegomena, he launched into the discussion of the terms we have offered to debtor nations.
From Time Magazine Archive
Think of the pages and pages in the catalogue: "SOAMES, ENOCH" endlessly—endless editions, commentaries, prolegomena, biographies'—but here he was interrupted by a sudden loud creak of the chair at the next table.
From Seven Men by Sir Max Beerbohm
Next come prefaces, prolegomena, and "previous dissertations," examining the lives, actions, and miracles of the Saints, authorship and history of the manuscripts, and other literary and historical questions.
From The Contemporary Review, January 1883 Vol 43, No. 1 by Various
Westerhovius, in the prolegomena to his edition, 1726, enumerates not fewer than 248 editions of Terence previous to his time.
From History of Roman Literature from its Earliest Period to the Augustan Age. Volume II by John Dunlop
The Aids were but of the nature of prolegomena.
From An Outline of the History of Christian Thought Since Kant by Edward Caldwell Moore
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