مقدمة
muqaddima
The Arabic word for introduction is مقدمة (muqaddima).
While مقدمة can refer to the act of introducing people, it is most commonly used to refer to the introductory section or preface of a book or speech.
Meaning: means of presenting one person to another (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root q-d-m (ق–د–م), which relates to being 'in front' or 'before'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun مقدمة is مقدمات (muqaddimāt).
How do you pronounce it?
muqaddima
Did you know?
- Because the root ق-د-م relates to being 'in front', the same root is used for the word 'foot' (قدم), as the foot is the part of the body that leads the way.
- The most famous historical work using this word is المقدمة (Al-Muqaddima) by Ibn Khaldun. Written in 1377, it is not just a preface but a foundational text that created the modern study of sociology and historiography.
- In Arabic logic and philosophy, the word مقدمة (muqaddima) refers to a 'premise' in a syllogism. It describes the starting proposition that leads to a logical conclusion.
