prolegomenon

noun

pro·​le·​gom·​e·​non ˌprō-li-ˈgä-mə-ˌnän 

-nən

plural prolegomena ˌprō-li-ˈgä-mə-nə 

: prefatory remarks

specifically : a formal essay or critical discussion serving to introduce and interpret an extended work

prolegomenous

ˌprō-li-ˈgä-mə-nəs 

adjective

Did you know?

Prolegomenon is the singular and "prolegomena" is the plural of this scholarly word, though people sometimes mistakenly interpret "prolegomena" as the singular. The word, which comes from the Greek verb prolegein ("to say beforehand"), first appeared in print around 1652. It has appeared in the titles of noteworthy scholarly and philosophical works, but it has never been as common in general use as its older cousin "prologue." "Prologue" usually refers to an introduction to a literary work or to a speech addressed to the audience at the beginning of a play. "Prolegomenon" is most often used of the introduction to a work of scholarly analysis. Both words can also be used in a broader sense to refer generally to something that serves as an introduction.

Word History

Etymology

Greek, neuter present passive participle of prolegein to say beforehand, from pro- before + legein to say — more at legend

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

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