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Prolog Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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prolog

[หˆproสŠlษ”g ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

computer science

Prolog is a high-level programming language associated with artificial intelligence and computational linguistics. It is a logic programming language that is based on formal logic and allows for the expression of facts and rules about some domain of interest. The language is particularly useful for tasks that involve symbolic reasoning and problem-solving.

Synonyms

logic programming.

Examples of usage

  • She implemented the logic puzzle in Prolog.
  • Prolog is widely used for natural language processing tasks.
  • Many AI applications are developed using Prolog.
Context #2 | Noun

literature

In literature, a prolog refers to an introductory section of a play or a literary work, often providing background information or setting the stage for the main narrative. It helps to frame the story and can introduce key themes or characters.

Synonyms

foreword, introduction.

Examples of usage

  • The prolog set the tone for the entire play.
  • In her novel, the prolog offers insights into the main character's motivations.
  • He wrote a prolog that was as captivating as the story itself.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Famous works, like 'Romeo and Juliet,' contain prologues that outline key themes and foreshadow events.
  • Some authors use prologues to introduce unique characters or events not fully explained in the main story.
  • Prologues can vary in length and style, ranging from a few lines to several pages, depending on the authorโ€™s intent.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies start with a prologue to give viewers crucial backstory or context for the plot.
  • In video games, prologues often provide players with the lore needed to understand the game world.
  • Popular television series may have a prologue episode to introduce the storyline and characters.

Theater

  • Prologues are commonly used in plays to address the audience directly, creating a more engaging experience.
  • Some playwrights include narrators in their prologues to guide the audience through complex narratives.
  • In Shakespearean plays, prologues often served as a way to evoke themes and set the mood for the unfolding drama.

Education

  • In academic writing, a prologue can be used to clarify the purpose of a paper and outline its main arguments.
  • Teachers may encourage students to write prologues for their essays to help engage their readers from the start.
  • Prologues in textbooks often summarize vital concepts covered in the chapters that follow.

Origin of 'prolog'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'prologos,' meaning 'before speech,' highlighting its role as an introduction.
  • Historically, prologues were used in ancient Greek theater to prepare the audience for the performance.
  • In literature, prologues often set the scene and provide context, influencing how readers approach the main story.

The term 'Prolog' is derived from 'Programming in Logic', reflecting its basis in formal logic principles. The language was developed in the early 1970s by Robert Kowalski and Alain Colmerauer, who sought to create a system that could use logical representations for problem-solving. The name 'Prolog' became widely recognized as it gained popularity in artificial intelligence research, particularly for its ability to manage symbolic data and perform automated reasoning. Over the decades, Prolog has seen various implementations and extensions, making it an important player in the development of AI methodologies and applications.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,116, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.