protasis

[ prot-uh-sis ]

noun

, plural prot·a·ses [prot, -, uh, -seez].

1. Grammar. the clause expressing the condition in a conditional sentence, in English usually beginning with if. Compare apodosis.
2. the first part of an ancient drama, in which the characters are introduced and the subject is proposed. Compare catastasis, catastrophe ( def 4 ), epitasis.
3. (in Aristotelian logic) a proposition, especially one used as a premise in a syllogism.

protasis

/ ˈprɒtəsɪs; prɒˈtætɪk /

noun

1. logic grammar the antecedent of a conditional statement, such as it rains in if it rains the game will be cancelled Compare apodosis
2. (in classical drama) the introductory part of a play

Derived Forms

• protatic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of protasis¹

First recorded in 1610–20; from Late Latin: “introduction in a drama,” from Greek prótasis “proposition,” literally, “a stretching forward,” equivalent to pro- pro- ² + tásis a stretching ( ta-, verbid stem of teínein “to stretch” + -sis -sis )

Word History and Origins

Origin of protasis¹

C17: via Latin from Greek: a proposal, from pro- before + teinein to extend

Example Sentences

The apodosis (qu'est-ce que je ferais) is omitted and only the protasis is expressed.

From Project Gutenberg

Positing what protasis would the contraction for such several schemes become a natural and necessary apodosis?

From Project Gutenberg

It is a protasis of the complex order, as M. Lysidas used to say.

From Project Gutenberg

It went off, as G. assured M., exactly as the opening act of a piece—the protasis—should do.

From Project Gutenberg

It is the custom of lovers to abuse of the gorgiaques figures from the very protasis and exordium.

From Project Gutenberg