Synonyms for
Prologue
Definition
an introductory part of a literary work, such as a play, book, or poem
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Antonyms
Common collocations
- write a prologue
- read the prologue
- a brief prologue
- the prologue to
- opening prologue
- prologue and epilogue
Word family
Usage note
A prologue is typically found at the beginning of a book or play. Its antonym, epilogue, refers to content at the end.
Example sentences
- The prologue gave us a sneak peek of what was to come.
- The play had a prologue to introduce the characters.
- I always read the prologue before starting a book.
- The prologue of the poem set the tone for the rest of the piece.
- The prologue of the movie explained the backstory of the main character.
Quotes
All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages. At first the infant, Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms; And then the whining school-boy, with his satchel, And shining morning face, creeping like snail Unwillingly to school. And then the lover, Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad Made to his mistress' eyebrow. Then a soldier, Full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard, Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel, Seeking the bubble reputation Even in the cannon's mouth. And then the justice, In fair round belly with good capon lined, With eyes severe and beard of formal cut, Full of wise saws and modern instances; And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts Into the lean and slipper'd pantaloon, With spectacles on nose and pouch on side, His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide For his shrunk shank; and his big manly voice, Turning again toward childish treble, pipes And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all, That ends this strange eventful history, Is second childishness and mere oblivion, Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.
- William Shakespeare
The prologue is the key to a book.