Prolegomenon
Word of the Day
What is Prolegomenon?
noun
A critical or discursive introduction to a book.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen to celebrate good beginnings and scholarly scaffolding.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
The prolegomenon clarified key terms.
Students skipped the prolegomenon at their peril.
Her prolegomenon situated the study in feminist historiography.
Word Origins
Greek prolegomena “things said beforehand” (plural); singular back-formed in English
Kant’s *Prolegomena* popularized the term.
First appearance in English: early 19th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
-
Noun:
The preface thanked mentors.
-
Noun:
A foreword by the author’s teacher opened the book.
-
Noun:
The introduction set out aims.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: prolegómeno
- French: prolégomène
- German: Prolegomenon / Prolegomena
- Italian: prolegomeno
- Portuguese: prolegômeno
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Preface
General opener; prolegomenon is scholarly/critical.
Foreword
By someone else; prolegomenon is authorial/critical.
Exordium
Classical rhetorical beginning; overlaps in speeches.
Fun Facts
- “Pro-” (before) + “legein” (to say) builds the word’s literal sense.
- Libraries sometimes catalog prolegomena as separate works.
Cultural Usage
- Kant’s *Prolegomena* introduces critical philosophy.
- Critical editions often include a prolegomenon.
Common Mistakes
Plural “prolegomena” is classical; singular “prolegomenon” is English back-formation.
Micro Story
The editor’s prolegomenon mapped the archive and debates.