propaedeutic

[ proh-pi-doo-tik, -dyoo- ]
/ ˌproʊ pɪˈdu tɪk, -ˈdyu- /

adjective Also pro·pae·deu·ti·cal.

pertaining to or of the nature of preliminary instruction.
introductory to some art or science.

noun

a propaedeutic subject or study.
propaedeutics, (used with a singular verb) the preliminary body of knowledge and rules necessary for the study of some art or science.

Origin of propaedeutic

1830–40; pro-2 + Greek paideutikós pertaining to teaching, equivalent to paideú(ein) to teach (derivative of paîs child; cf. pedo-1) + -tikos -tic

Words nearby propaedeutic

prop, prop root, prop wash, prop-, prop., propaedeutic, propagable, propaganda, propagandist, propagandize, propagate

Example sentences from the Web for propaedeutic

  • With him, this propaedeutic discipline, this tool of truth, perfectly performs its task of construction.

    The Mediaeval Mind (Volume II of II) |Henry Osborn Taylor

  • Ancient logic would be the propaedeutic or gate of approach to logical science,—nothing more.

    Euthydemus |Plato

British Dictionary definitions for propaedeutic

propaedeutic
/ (ˌprəʊpɪˈdjuːtɪk) /

noun

(often plural) preparatory instruction basic to further study of an art or science

adjective Also: propaedeutical

of, relating to, or providing such instruction

Word Origin for propaedeutic

C19: from Greek propaideuein to teach in advance, from pro- ² + paideuein to rear