prologue

or pro·log

[ proh-lawg, -log ]

noun

1. a preliminary discourse; a preface or introductory part of a discourse, poem, or novel. Compare epilogue ( def 1 ).
2. an introductory speech, often in verse, calling attention to the theme of a play. Compare epilogue ( def 3 ).
3. the actor or actress who delivers the introductory speech that calls attention to the theme of a play. Compare epilogue ( def 4 ).
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)

, pro·logued, pro·logu·ing.

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. in early opera
   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 Words From

• pro·logu·ist pro·log·ist noun
• pro·logue·like pro·log·like adjective
• un·pro·logued 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

“If past is prologue, I would expect that there’s room for some modest improvements in this area,” said Elliot Haspel, a senior fellow at Capita, a family policy think tank.

From Los Angeles Times

As they say, past is prologue, history rhymes, all of this has happened before and all of it will happen again, etc.

From Salon

“If past is prologue, those are just words.”

From Los Angeles Times

“He was so confident that the girl he knew wouldn’t leave,” Lenz writes in the prologue.

From Los Angeles Times

“Now only the voters can prevent a scenario in which Smith’s filing is but the prologue to a national Shakespearean tragedy.”

From Salon

Related Words

• foreword
• prelude