What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prologue
Example
The prologue of the play provided important background information about the characters. [prologue: noun]
Example
She wrote a prologue to her novel to set the scene for the story. [prologue: noun]
opening
Example
The opening scene of the movie was very dramatic. [opening: noun]
Example
This job could be your opening to a successful career. [opening: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Opening is more commonly used than prologue in everyday language. Opening is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while prologue is less common and is mostly used in literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prologue and opening?
Prologue is more formal and literary than opening, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.