Pronunciation: [pɹˈiːkwə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "prequel" is spelled with the letters P-R-E-Q-U-E-L. It is pronounced as /ˈpriːkwəl/. The first part of the word, "pre", means "before" and is pronounced as /priː/. The second part, "quel", is a shortened version of "sequel", which means a continuation or follow-up to a previous work. It is pronounced as /kwəl/. Therefore, a prequel is a story or movie that is set before the events of a previously released work.
A prequel is a term used in storytelling, particularly in film, literature, or television, to describe a work that is set before a previously created or established narrative, or one that chronologically precedes the events portrayed in the original sequence. Derived from the combination of the prefix "pre-" meaning "before" and the word "sequel" implying a continuation, a prequel essentially serves as an introduction or prologue to a previously told story, often shedding light on the events or characters that shaped the known narrative.
In a prequel, the focus lies on exploring the background, origins, or history of the existing storyline or characters. It offers insights into the past, setting the stage for subsequent events by providing context, explanations, or unveiling secrets that were left unexplored in the original work. Through a prequel, creators have the opportunity to expand a fictional world, enrich its mythology, or delve into the motivations and influences that informed the characters' present circumstances. Consequently, prequels allow audiences to gain a deeper understanding of the story's universe and characters by uncovering the foundations upon which the original narrative was built.
Prequels are a popular narrative device and can be found across various mediums. They offer the chance to revisit beloved stories or settings while simultaneously offering new perspectives, surprising twists, and unforeseen revelations. By establishing a prequel, storytellers can bring fresh insights, foster deeper connections, and invigorate the original narrative's themes and stakes.
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The word "prequel" is a neologism coined in the 1970s as a combination of the prefix "pre-" (meaning before in time or order) and the ending "-quel" (adapted from the word "sequel", which refers to a story or film that takes place after a previous installment). It was first used in the context of literature and film to refer to a work that depicts events that preceded those of an existing work. The exact origin of the term is not known, but it gained significant popularity following the release of the film "The Godfather Part II" in 1974, which portrayed events that occurred before the original film "The Godfather" (1972). Since then, "prequel" has become a widely recognized term in popular culture.
