Prologue
/ˈproʊ.lɔɡ/noun
An introductory section of a literary work.
Did you know?In ancient Greek theatre, the prologue set the stage for the audience, often revealing secrets that would shape the unfolding drama – a ritualistic unveiling of fate!
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*leg-
“to gather, to speak, or to say.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
προλογος (prologos)
“foreword or introduction; literally 'before speech'.”
Latin
Latin
prologus
“introduction or preface.”
Middle English
Middle English
prologe
“an introduction to a work, often conveying themes or setting context.”
Modern English
English
prologue
“a formal introduction to a text, setting the stage for the narrative that follows.”