proem
noun
pro·em ˈprō-ˌem 
-əm
1
: preliminary comment : preface
2
: prelude
proemial
prō-ˈē-mē-əl -ˈe-
adjective -ˈe- 
Synonyms
- exordium
- foreword
- intro
- introduction
- preamble
- preface
- prelude
- prologue
- prolog
- prolusion
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
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
proem
noun
as in preface
a short section (as of a book) that leads to or explains the main part the proem promises what the book does not deliver: a totally new interpretation of the French Revolution Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- preface
- introduction
- foreword
- exordium
- prologue
- intro
- prelude
- prolog
- preamble
- beginning
- prolusion
- commencement
- initiation
- start
- outset
- opening
- origination
- origin
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- epilogue
- postscript
- epilog
- envoy
- envoi
- aftermath
- end
- conclusion
- closing
- termination
- finale
- cessation
- finish
- close
- stop
- suppressing
- suppressio veri
- suppression
- suppressions
- suppressive
- suppressiveness
- suppressivenesses
- suppressor
- suppressor grid
- suppressor T cell
- suppressors
- suppurate
- suppurated
- suppurates
- suppurating
- suppuration
- suppurations
- suppurative
- suppuratives
- supputation
- supr
- supra
- supra-angular
- supra-auricular
- supra-auricular point