Prologue
noun /ˈprəʊ.lɒɡ/ — An introductory section before the main narrative
Definition
An introductory section or preliminary discourse at the beginning of a literary or dramatic work — setting up context, tone, or situation before the main story begins.
Beyond the definition
The clearing of the throat before the thing itself. A prologue creates the expectation into which the work steps.
Origin & history
From Greek 'prologos' — 'pro' (before) + 'logos' (word, speech). The speech that comes before the speech.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The prologue established the narrator's voice so precisely that the novel had already begun.
Some writers use the prologue to show you the ending — creating dramatic irony from the first page.
A good prologue makes the reader lean forward. A bad one makes them wonder when the story will start.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Prologue” when the meaning fits your context: An introductory section or preliminary discourse at the beginning of a literary or dramatic work — setting up context, tone, or situation before the main story begins.
Synonyms
preface, introduction, preamble, foreword, prelude
Antonyms
epilogue, conclusion, denouement
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Prologue" mean?
Prologue is noun meaning: An introductory section before the main narrative. An introductory section or preliminary discourse at the beginning of a literary or dramatic work — setting up context, tone, or situation before the main story begins.
Where does the word "Prologue" come from?
From Greek 'prologos' — 'pro' (before) + 'logos' (word, speech). The speech that comes before the speech.