Word of the Day – Prolegomenon

Prolegomenon (noun)

pro-le-gom-uh-non

A critical or discursive introduction to a book.

Mid 17th century: via Latin from Greek, passive present participle (neuter) of prolegein ‘say beforehand’, from pro ‘before’ + legein ‘say’.

Example sentences

“The essay was nothing but a length prolegomenon, designed to put you off reading the actual work.”