Prologue Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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prologue

[ˈprəʊlɒɡ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

literature

An introductory section of a literary work, play, or movie that sets the scene or introduces the plot.

Synonyms

foreword, introduction, preface.

Examples of usage

  • The prologue of the novel provided important background information.
  • The prologue of the play gave a preview of what was to come.
Context #2 | Noun

theater

A separate introductory section before the main action of a play.

Synonyms

introduction, opening scene, prelude.

Examples of usage

  • The prologue of the play featured a monologue by one of the characters.
  • In Greek drama, the prologue often established the context for the rest of the play.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many famous literary works, including Shakespeare's plays, use prologues to set up the story.
  • Prologues can provide background information or hint at themes and conflicts that will be developed in the main text.

Theater

  • In traditional plays, a prologue is often delivered by a character or narrator to engage the audience.
  • Prologues in theater serve to establish context and tone, much like a movie trailer.

Education

  • Prologues can help students understand the context of a story before diving into complex themes.
  • Teachers often use prologues to spark discussions about characters and settings before reading the main text.

Film

  • Many movies use an introductory sequence that functions like a prologue, setting the stage for the plot.
  • Animated films often include prologues that provide backstory in a fun and engaging way.

Origin of 'prologue'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Greek word 'prologos,' where 'pro' means 'before' and 'logos' means 'word' or 'speech.'
  • The term has been used since the Middle Ages to introduce performances or texts in literature.

The word 'prologue' originated from the Middle English word 'prolog', which came from the Old French 'prologue', and ultimately from the Latin 'prologus'. The Latin term itself was derived from the Greek 'prologos', where 'pro' means 'before' and 'logos' means 'speech'. The concept of a prologue has been used in literature and theater for centuries to provide background information or set the stage for the main action.


See also: clog, log, logger, logging, logic, login, logjam, logo, logout, logs, unlogged, weblog.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,531, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.