Prequel: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
prequel
[ หpriหkwษl ]
film series
A prequel is a work, particularly in film or literature, that takes place before the events of an existing work. It is often created to explore the backgrounds of characters, settings, or events that were touched upon in the original narrative. Prequels provide context that can enhance the audience's understanding and appreciation of the original piece. They can introduce new characters and storylines, while still connecting to the established universe of the previous work.
Synonyms
antecedent, origin story, prologue.
Examples of usage
- The film served as a prequel to the beloved series.
- The TV show is a prequel set years before the original movie.
- The author released a prequel to explain the protagonist's backstory.
Translations
Translations of the word "prequel" in other languages:
๐ต๐น prequela
๐ฎ๐ณ เคชเฅเคฐเฅเคตเคเคฅเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Prequel
๐ฎ๐ฉ prekuel
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟััะบะฒะตะป
๐ต๐ฑ prequel
๐ฏ๐ต ใใชใฏใจใซ
๐ซ๐ท prรฉquelle
๐ช๐ธ precuela
๐น๐ท รถnceki hikaye
๐ฐ๐ท ํ๋ฆฌํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุณุงุจู
๐จ๐ฟ prequel
๐ธ๐ฐ prequel
๐จ๐ณ ๅไผ
๐ธ๐ฎ predzgodba
๐ฎ๐ธ forleikur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐะปะดัะฝาั ะพาะธาะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แแ แแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ รถncษki hekayษ
๐ฒ๐ฝ precuela
Etymology
The term 'prequel' is a portmanteau derived from the prefix 'pre-' meaning 'before' and the word 'sequel,' which refers to a continuation of a story. The first recorded use of the term dates back to the 20th century, around the 1950s, as storytelling formats began to evolve in literature and film. The concept of creating narratives that explore events occurring before a predecessor has been present in storytelling for centuries, but the specific term 'prequel' gained popularity with the rise of cinematic franchises and expanded universes, especially in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The introduction of major film prequels, such as Star Wars: Episode I โ The Phantom Menace in 1999, solidified the term in popular culture and mainstream media, leading to a proliferation of prequels across various artistic mediums.