proem

noun

pro·​em ˈprō-ˌem 

-əm

1

: preliminary comment : preface

2

: prelude

proemial

prō-ˈē-mē-əl  -ˈe- 

adjective

Synonyms

• exordium
• foreword
• intro
• introduction
• preamble
• preface
• prelude
• prologue
• prolog
• prolusion

Example Sentences

the proem promises what the book does not deliver: a totally new interpretation of the French Revolution

Word History

Etymology

Middle English proheme, from Anglo-French proeme, from Latin prooemium, from Greek prooimion, from pro- + oimē song; probably akin to Hittite išamai- song, Sanskrit syati he binds — more at sinew

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1