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Glite Dictionary
prolusory

prolusory

9.9
Acts as a short introduction before the main part
  • adjective
  • /prəˈlʌsəri/
  • Archaic
translation icon : proluso
  • The professor gave a prolusory speech before beginning the main lecture.

Examples

  • The book opens with a prolusory chapter outlining the themes to come.

  • In his prolusory speech, he outlined the main themes of the conference.

  • Her prolusory remarks set the tone for the ceremony.

  • The prolusory remarks set the tone for the discussion.

  • The book opens with a prolusory chapter outlining the key themes of the story.

  • The professor gave a prolusory speech to introduce the main topics of the lecture.

  • Her prolusory remarks provided essential context for the discussion that followed.

Synonyms

preliminary
vsprolusory
325 5.2

Happening before a main event to prepare for it

relates specifically to an introductory piece rather than any prior event
prefatory
vsprolusory
1 7.6

Giving a short introduction to a book or speech

relates to an introductory piece in general rather than only texts
preseminal
vsprolusory
  • Formal
8.8

Happens before an important event and helps prepare for it

relates specifically to an introductory piece rather than preceding influential events

How Introductory

preparatory
15 4.7
introductory
35 3.9
prolusory
  • Archaic
9.9
preliminary
325 5.2

Surface Forms

prolusory positive

Morphology

prolusory = prolusion (opaque) = prolus + ory

Although the adjective is formed by a derivational suffix '-ory', the base noun 'prolusion' is rare and unfamiliar to most learners, so the relation does not help infer meaning.

Etymology

The word prolusory comes from two Latin parts: pro- meaning 'before' and ludere meaning 'to play'. Think of it as a short 'play before' the main event, like a prelude or warm-up, which is why prolusory means 'introductory' or 'preliminary'.