prelude

[ prel-yood, preyl-, prey-lood, pree- ]

noun

1. a preliminary to an action, event, condition, or work of broader scope and higher importance.

   Synonyms: beginning, opening, introduction

2. any action, event, comment, etc. that precedes something else.
3. Music.
   1. a relatively short, independent instrumental composition, free in form and resembling an improvisation.
   2. a piece that precedes a more important movement.
   3. the overture to an opera.
   4. an independent piece, of moderate length, sometimes used as an introduction to a fugue.
   5. music opening a church service; an introductory voluntary.

verb (used with object)

, prel·ud·ed, prel·ud·ing.

1. to serve as a prelude or introduction to.
2. to introduce by a prelude.
3. to play as a prelude.

verb (used without object)

, prel·ud·ed, prel·ud·ing.

1. to serve as a prelude.
2. to give a prelude.
3. to play a prelude.

prelude

/ prɪˈljuːsərɪ; prɪˈljuːʒən; ˈprɛljʊdə; prɪˈljuːdə; prɪˈljuːsɪv; ˈprɛljuːd /

noun

1. 1. a piece of music that precedes a fugue, or forms the first movement of a suite, or an introduction to an act in an opera, etc
   2. (esp for piano) a self-contained piece of music
2. something serving as an introduction or preceding event, occurrence, etc

verb

1. to serve as a prelude to (something)
2. tr to introduce by a prelude

Derived Forms

• preˈludial, adjective
• preˈlusively, adverb
• prelusive, adjective
• prelusion, noun
• preluder, noun

Other Words From

• prelud·er noun
• pre·lu·di·al [pri-, loo, -dee-, uh, l], pre·ludi·ous adjective
• pre·ludi·ous·ly adverb
• un·prelud·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prelude¹

1555–65; (noun) < Medieval Latin praelūdium, equivalent to prae- pre- + -lūdium play; compare Latin lūdus play; (v.) < Latin praelūdere to play beforehand

Word History and Origins

Origin of prelude¹

C16: (n) from Medieval Latin praelūdium, from prae before + -lūdium entertainment, from Latin lūdus play; (vb) from Late Latin praelūdere to play beforehand, rehearse, from lūdere to play

Example Sentences

There was an entryway near here to another courtyard, itself a prelude to the heart of the main temple.

From The Daily Beast

This could be a prelude to peace talks—or intensified fighting.

From The Daily Beast

Or will they be merely the dark prelude to an even darker future?

From The Daily Beast

We should hope this only sounds like a prelude to an intervention.

From The Daily Beast

Marguerite hoped it would be the prelude to a book she wanted to write, and asked if I could get it published somewhere.

From The Daily Beast

A full, busy youth is your only prelude to a self-contained and independent age; and the muff inevitably develops into a bore.

From Project Gutenberg

A trifling dispute with which his reign began was the prelude to very serious events.

From Project Gutenberg

And so, with this prelude, I may as well tell without more delay what evil fortune was in store for us.

From Project Gutenberg

Is it not possible that Chopin may have afterwards substituted the new Prelude for one of those already forwarded to France?

From Project Gutenberg

Chopin began generally to prelude apathetically and only gradually grew warm, but then his playing was really grand.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• introduction
• prologue