Prologs

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A preliminary statement or introduction that sets the stage for the main content to follow; an opening section that provides context for a narrative or argument; a formal preface that outlines the themes and elements to be explored in a literary work or performance
2. An introductory part of a text that outlines key themes or ideas before delving into the main discussion; a section meant to orient readers to the subsequent material; an opening discourse meant to frame a larger narrative or argument being presented
3. A section that serves as an introduction, often summarizing essential information before the main content; a prelude that clarifies the purpose and direction of a written work; an introductory commentary that highlights the framework for the ensuing subject matter

Etymology: "Prologs" is the plural of "prolog," the American spelling of "prologue." The noun, meaning an introductory section at the start of a book, play or speech, comes from Greek "prologos," formed from "pro," meaning "before," and "logos," meaning "word" or "speech." The original sense was simply something spoken before the main action or text begins. The spelling "prolog" is the one most common in American English and in computing, where it names a programming language, while "prologue" is the more traditional British form. Both spellings take the same plural, so a book with several introductory sections has "prologs" or "prologues" depending on which spelling a writer or publisher prefers.

Synonyms: prefaces, introductions, preludes, forewords, preambles

Antonyms: epilogues, conclusions, endings, postludes, afterwords