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
proems
noun
as in introductions
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
- introductions
- prefaces
- forewords
- prologs
- prolusions
- exordiums
- intros
- exordia
- prologues
- preludes
- outsets
- preambles
- beginnings
- starts
- initiations
- commencements
- openings
- origins
- originations
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- epilogs
- epilogues
- envoys
- postscripts
- aftermaths
- stops
- ends
- conclusions
- closings
- finishes
- terminations
- envois
- closes
- cessations
- finales