prolusion

noun

pro·lu·sion prō-ˈlü-zhən

Synonyms of prolusion next

next

1

: a preliminary trial or exercise : prelude

2

: an introductory and often tentative discourse

prolusory

prō-ˈlü-sə-rē

-zə-;

-ˈlüz-rē

-ˈlüz-

adjective

Examples of prolusion in a Sentence

in her prolusion she sketches the religious, cultural and political milieu in which gnosticism developed

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

This poem seems positioned as a prolusion — his word — or prelude to set a mood of contemplation, to encourage a softness or stillness, a long view, for entering what follows. —

Nancy Lord, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Apr. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Latin prolusion-, prolusio, from proludere to play beforehand, from pro- before + ludere to play — more at ludicrous

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of prolusion was in 1601

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Prolusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prolusion. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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