Word
Definition
n. an introduction at the start of a book, play, or movie. It usually gives you background information or sets the mood for the rest of the story.
n. an introductory section of a literary, dramatic, or musical work. It serves to establish context, provide backstory, or frame the narrative before the main action begins.
Examples
“The prologue explains why the two families are fighting.”
“In the play's prologue, a narrator appears on stage to warn the audience about the tragic ending.”
“The author uses a brief prologue to establish the historical setting, ensuring readers understand the political tensions that drive the protagonist's later decisions.”
Examples
simple
“The prologue explains why the two families are fighting.”
contextual
“In the play's prologue, a narrator appears on stage to warn the audience about the tragic ending.”
complex
“The author uses a brief prologue to establish the historical setting, ensuring readers understand the political tensions that drive the protagonist's later decisions.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'to' when indicating which work it introduces.
Real-World Examples
“I hoped what I’d seen was a prologue to more art, bigger art, with enough space to appreciate it.” Etymology
From Middle English prologue, prologe, from Old French prologue, from Latin prologus, from Ancient Greek πρόλογος (prólogos). Equivalent to pro- + -logue.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/prologue
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0