propaedeutic
- adjective
- /ˌproʊpəˈduːtɪk/
- Formal
:
preparatorio
- In a theological paper of 1865, propaedeutic to the Grammar, Newman justifies certitude by referring to the imagination: "When I make an act of certitude... I am contemplating a fact in itself, as presented to me by my imagination." 16
Examples
-
On the one hand, commentators view the play as an exemplary drama belonging to the tradition of the propaedeutic literature of the times, the Catholic Reformation started in 1563 by the edicts of the Council of Trent.
Academic text (1990) -
The teacher provided a propaedeutic lesson to help students understand the basics before diving into complex concepts.
-
The changes in topics and approaches were impelled by the students' remarkable interest in the American experience of "word battles." This was an academically stronger group, with evidently good pre-university knowledge of English and literature acquired through our propaedeutic course.
Academic text (2003) -
Before starting their advanced studies, the students completed a propaedeutic program that covered essential topics in their field.
-
The university requires a propaedeutic course to ensure all students have the foundational knowledge necessary for success.
Synonyms
15
4.7
To help get ready for something
Happening before a lesson to prepare students
Used before the main course or program to help people prepare
Done earlier to get something ready
Antonyms
How Introductory
Surface Forms
Morphology
propaedeutic = pro + paedeut + ic
Derived from Greek combining forms ('pro-' + 'paedeut-' + '-ic'); these elements are not transparent productive English morphemes for average learners, so the meaning 'preparatory' cannot be deduced from the visible parts.
Etymology
Propaedeutic comes from the Greek parts pro- 'before' and paideuein 'to teach', so it literally means 'teaching before'. As an adjective, propaedeutic means 'introductory' or 'preparatory', used for something that gets you ready for more advanced study.