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

“Here we catch a glimpse of the subjunctive in a conditional protasis shyly rising its timorous head above the narrative parapet.”

From The Guardian

The consequent clause or conclusion in a conditional sentence, expressing the result, and thus distinguished from the protasis or clause which expresses a condition.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, in the sentence, ½Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him,¸ the former clause is the protasis, and the latter the apodosis. µ Some grammarians extend the terms protasis and apodosis to the introductory clause and the concluding clause, even when the sentence is not conditional.

From Project Gutenberg

Epitasis, e-pit′a-sis, n. the main action of a Greek drama, leading to the catastrophe—opp. to Protasis.

From Project Gutenberg

Lord Acton would have been unable to conceive the protasis.

From Project Gutenberg