propaedeutic

American  

[proh-pi-doo-tik, -dyoo-] / ˌproʊ pɪˈdu tɪk, -ˈdyu- /

adjective

1. pertaining to or of the nature of preliminary instruction.

2. introductory to some art or science.

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noun

1. a propaedeutic subject or study.

2. (used with a singular verb) propaedeutics, the preliminary body of knowledge and rules necessary for the study of some art or science.

propaedeutic British  

/ ˌprəʊpɪˈdjuːtɪk /

noun

1. (often plural) preparatory instruction basic to further study of an art or science

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or providing such instruction

Etymology

Origin of propaedeutic

1830–40; pro- ² + Greek paideutikós pertaining to teaching, equivalent to paideú ( ein ) to teach (derivative of paîs child; pedo- ¹ ) + -tikos -tic

Example Sentences

When we ask what is the object of these paradoxes, some have answered that they are a mere logical puzzle, while others have seen in them an Hegelian propaedeutic of the doctrine of Ideas.

From Parmenides by Jowett, Benjamin

Thus of the four faculties into which university teaching was organized, that of arts, with its degrees of Baccalaureat and Magister, was regarded as propaedeutic to those of theology, law and medicine.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 10 "Echinoderma" to "Edward" by Various

The Journal of a Tour in Corsica is but a propaedeutic study.

From Boswell's Life of Johnson Abridged and edited, with an introduction by Charles Grosvenor Osgood by Osgood, Charles Grosvenor

Ancient logic would be the propaedeutic or gate of approach to logical science,—nothing more.

From Euthydemus by Jowett, Benjamin

Of those who favor such a philosophical propaedeutic some recommend the History of Philosophy, others an Introduction to Philosophy of the type described in the preceding pages.

From College Teaching Studies in Methods of Teaching in the College by Klapper, Paul