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prologue

noun pro·logue \ˈprō-ˌlȯg, -ˌläg\

: an introduction to a book, play, etc.

Full Definition of PROLOGUE

: the preface or introduction to a literary work

a : a speech often in verse addressed to the audience by an actor at the beginning of a play

b : the actor speaking such a prologue

: an introductory or preceding event or development

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Variants of PROLOGUE

pro·logue also pro·log \ˈprō-ˌlȯg, -ˌläg\

Origin of PROLOGUE

Middle English prolog, from Anglo-French prologue, from Latin prologus preface to a play, from Greek prologos part of a Greek play preceding the entry of the chorus, from pro- before + legein to speak — more at pro-, legend

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PROLOGUE

Synonyms: curtain-raiser, overture, preamble, preliminary, prelude (also prolog), warm-up

Antonyms: epilogue (also epilog)

Other Literature Terms

apophasis, bathos, bildungsroman, bowdlerize, caesura, coda, doggerel, euphemism, poesy, prosody

Rhymes with PROLOGUE

agog, backlog, befog, bullfrog, defog, eclogue, eggnog, footslog, gas log, groundhog, gulag, hedgehog, ice fog, leapfrog, photog, putlog, quahog, road hog, sandhog, stalag, tree frog, unclog, warthog, Weblog, whole hog, wood frog, Yule log

Learn More About PROLOGUE

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "prologue"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "prologue"

Nglish: Translation of "prologue" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "prologue" for Arabic speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "prologue"

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