prelude
[prel-yood, preyl-, prey-lood, pree-]
- a preliminary to an action, event, condition, or work of broader scope and higher importance.
- any action, event, comment, etc. that precedes something else.
- Music.
- a relatively short, independent instrumental composition, free in form and resembling an improvisation.
- a piece that precedes a more important movement.
- the overture to an opera.
- an independent piece, of moderate length, sometimes used as an introduction to a fugue.
- music opening a church service; an introductory voluntary.
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- to serve as a prelude or introduction to.
- to introduce by a prelude.
- to play as a prelude.
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- to serve as a prelude.
- to give a prelude.
- to play a prelude.
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Origin of prelude
1555–65; (noun) < Medieval Latin praelūdium, equivalent to prae- pre- + -lūdium play; compare Latin lūdus play; (v.) < Latin praelūdere to play beforehand
Synonyms
See more synonyms for prelude on Thesaurus.com1. introduction, opening, beginning.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for prelude
Contemporary Examples
There was an entryway near here to another courtyard, itself a prelude to the heart of the main temple.
This could be a prelude to peace talks—or intensified fighting.
We should hope this only sounds like a prelude to an intervention.
Here's What It's Like to Fight Vitali Klitschko, Ukraine’s Revolutionary ChampMichael Daly
February 24, 2014
Marguerite hoped it would be the prelude to a book she wanted to write, and asked if I could get it published somewhere.
As is, they now look ominously instead like that monopoly's prelude and farcical first act.
Historical Examples
What they do regard it as, is a menace to their independence, and a prelude to annexation.
The Story of the Malakand Field ForceSir Winston S. Churchill
Obscurity of station or of birth has no tendency to prelude the favour of God.
Female Scripture Biographies, Vol. IFrancis Augustus Cox
What came before the retiring could have been but a prelude.
It Happened in EgyptC. N. Williamson
Hell's Half-Acre was a prelude to ten or twelve miles of geyser formation.
American NotesRudyard Kipling
They have made the prelude, and the importance of their role has passed.
The Rock of ChickamaugaJoseph A. Altsheler
prelude
- 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
- (esp for piano) a self-contained piece of music
- something serving as an introduction or preceding event, occurrence, etc
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- to serve as a prelude to (something)
- (tr) to introduce by a prelude
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Word Origin
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
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for prelude
n.
1560s, from Middle French prélude "notes sung or played to test the voice or instrument" (1530s), from Medieval Latin preludium "prelude, preliminary," from Latin praeludere "to play beforehand for practice, preface," from prae- "before" (see pre-) + ludere "to play" (see ludicrous). Purely musical sense first attested in English 1650s. Related: Prelusion.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper