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prologue

prologue, preface

noun proh-LOG Rare
Arts & Culture Literature

Origin: Greek prologos, from pro 'before' + logos 'speech'

Usage Note

Prologue precedes the main body of a play, novel, or film and sets the scene or backstory. Its opposite is épilogue (epilogue). In cycling, the opening very short stage of a race is also called le prologue.

Examples

"Le prologue du roman explique le contexte historique."

Natural Translation

The novel's prologue explains the historical context.

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