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View synonyms for prelude

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; prɪˈljuːsɪv; ˈprɛljuːd; prɪˈljuːdə; ˈprɛljʊdə /

noun

    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
  1. something serving as an introduction or preceding event, occurrence, etc
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. to serve as a prelude to (something)
  2. tr to introduce by a prelude
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

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

Israeli troops have continued clearing northern Gaza of inhabitants, calling for mass evacuations that many rights groups contend are a prelude to Israel’s occupation of parts of the enclave.

That was a prelude to last week’s vote by council leaders - by a margin of 18 to 14 - to walk away from negotiations.

From BBC

This was the prelude to his head-scratching assertion that he has “concepts of a plan” to reform healthcare in the U.S.

But then the pager attacks occurred on 18 September, a prelude to a series of other strikes.

From BBC

He started playing piano at the age of two and, at just 17, gave a remarkable two-and-a-half-hour concert featuring the 24 preludes and fugues by composer Dmitri Shostakovich.

From BBC

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