prelusive
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of prelusive
Explanation
This paragraph is prelusive because it serves as an introduction to the meaning of this specific word. Things that are prelusive come before something else. An event, piece of writing, or piece of music is prelusive when it acts as a prelude to something more important or substantial that follows. Both words are derived from the Latin pre-, "before," and ludere, "to play." Introductory speeches before a main speaker takes the stage are prelusive. A small skirmish between two nations might be considered prelusive if it comes before a full-scale war. A rumbling from a mountain volcano might be prelusive to a violent eruption.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
During an entire generation they furnished the arena for the prelusive strife of that war.
From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 20, No. 122, December, 1867 by Various
In the notice of so memorable a man, even the briefest prelusive flourish seems uncalled for; and so indeed it would be, if by such means it were meant simply to justify the undertaking.
From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 12, No. 71, September, 1863 by Various
And scarcely have they disappeared 35 Ere the prelusive hymn is heard:— With one consent the people rejoice, Filling the church with a lofty voice!
From The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth, Volume IV (of 8) by Wordsworth, William
Even the prelusive delicacies of the present writer—the curt "Astræan allusion"—would be thought pedantic, and out of date, in these days.
From The Works of Charles and Mary Lamb — Volume 2 Elia and The Last Essays of Elia by Lamb, Charles
What makes the matter worse is, that this happened at the very opening of the diet, and whilst the grand prelusive symphony of the whole hidden people was in full burst.
From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine — Volume 56, No. 345, July, 1844 by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
