| protasis |
| Definition:
The clause that expresses the condition in a conditional sentence. Note: The clause that expresses the consequence is called the apodosis. |
| Example:
In the sentence If you loved me back, I would love you: (1) the protasis is If you loved me back and (2) the apodosis is I would love you. |
| Etymology: The word means "condition" in Greek. It derives from the Greek pro, before + teino, stretch. |
| Oxford English Dictionary: The word's first OED citation is from 1588: "Only the protasis or first part of our similitude is attributed but to Cato, for want of a like similitude garnished with like authoritie." (W. Kempe Educ. Children sig. G.4 v,) |