P

Postmodernism

noun

[mass noun]

a late 20th-century style and concept in the arts, architecture, and criticism, which represents a departure from modernism and is characterized by the self-conscious use of earlier styles and conventions, a mixing of different artistic styles and media, and a general distrust of theories.

Derivatives

postmodernist

noun & adjective

postmodernity

noun

Practice (prac|tice)

noun

[mass noun]

1. the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories relating to it: the principles and practice of teaching the recommendations proved too expensive to put into practice

the carrying out or exercise of a profession, especially that of a doctor or lawyer: he abandoned medical practice for the Church

[count noun] the business or premises of a doctor or lawyer: Dr Apps has a practice in Neasham Road

2. the customary, habitual, or expected procedure or way of doing of something: product placement is common practice in American movies [count noun]: modern child-rearing practices

an established method of legal procedure.

3. repeated exercise in or performance of an activity or skill so as to acquire or maintain proficiency in it: it must have taken a lot of practice to become so fluent

[count noun] a period of time spent practising an activity or skill: daily choir practices

verb

US spelling of practise.

Phrases

in practice

1. in reality (used to refer to what actually happens as opposed to what is meant or believed to happen): in theory this method is ideal—in practice it is unrealistic

2. currently proficient in a particular activity or skill as a result of repeated exercise or performance of it.

out of practice

not currently proficient in a particular activity or skill through not having exercised or performed it for some time: he was out of practice at interrogation

practice makes perfect

regular exercise of an activity or skill is the way to become proficient in it.

Origin:

late Middle English: from practise, on the pattern of pairs such as advise, advice

My practice is something that I am constantly trying to define and refine.

Here are some examples of my practice.

Precedent (pre¦ce|dent)

noun

an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances: there are substantial precedents for using interactive media in training

Law a previous case or legal decision that may be or ( binding precedent) must be followed in subsequent similar cases: we hope to set a legal precedent to protect hundreds of miles of green lanes

adjective
Pronunciation
preceding in time, order, or importance: a precedent case
Origin: late Middle English: from Old French, literally 'preceding'

I have been looking at different precedents that relate to my practice.

Prolegomenon

noun (plural prolegomena)

a critical or discursive introduction to a book: a prolegomenon to the second part the prolegomena to the enquiry

Derivatives

prolegomenous

adjective

Origin:

mid 17th century: via Latin from Greek, passive present participle (neuter) of prolegein 'say beforehand', from pro 'before' + legein 'say'
"Having done the historical prolegomenon, let us dwell for a moment on a coincidence" Representations of Representations, Dagen, Philippe; Penwarden, Charles                                         Art Press June 2008, issue 346