prologue

Or pro·log

[proh-lawg, -log]

noun

1. a preliminary discourse; a preface or introductory part of a discourse, poem, or novel.

2. an introductory speech, often in verse, calling attention to the theme of a play.

3. the actor or actress who delivers the introductory speech that calls attention to the theme of a play.

4. an introductory scene, preceding the first act of a play, opera, etc.

5. any introductory proceeding, event, etc..

   Appetizing delicacies were the prologue to a long dinner.

   Synonyms: prelude, opening, beginning, preamble

verb (used with object)

prologued, prologuing 

1. to introduce with or as if with a prologue.

prologue

/ ˈprəʊlɒɡ /

noun

1. 1. the prefatory lines introducing a play or speech

   2. the actor speaking these lines

2. a preliminary act or event

3. 1. an introductory scene in which a narrator summarizes the main action of the work

   2. a brief independent play preceding the opera, esp one in honour of a patron

verb

1. (tr) to introduce or preface with or as if with a prologue

Other Word Forms

• prologuist noun
• prologist noun
• prologuelike adjective
• prologlike adjective
• unprologued adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prologue¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English prolog(e), prologue, from Old French prologue and Latin prologus, from Greek prólogos; pro- ², -logue

Word History and Origins

Origin of prologue¹

C13: from Latin prologus, from Greek prologos, from _pro- ² + logos discourse

Example Sentences

Past is prologue, so he may pull this off.

From Salon

“We were mindful that past is prologue,” Newsom said, and the added resources they provided Bonta’s office “have come to bear great fruit.”

From Los Angeles Times

When William Shakespeare wrote “What’s past is prologue,” he wasn’t thinking about television.

From Los Angeles Times

It makes the past prologue and the political personal, without ever breaking a sweat.

From Los Angeles Times

A press release, marketing materials and the prologue of Capt Sir Tom's memoir, all stated that the books would be used to support or raise money for the foundation.

From BBC

Related Words

• foreword 
• prelude