Meaning & Definition of word "Prelude"

Prelude

/ˈprɛljuːd/

1. An action or event that serves as an introduction to something more important.
- Example: The sudden snowfall was a prelude to the harsh winter that followed.
2. A preliminary performance or event, especially in music.
- Example: The concert began with a gentle prelude that captivated the audience.
3. A short introductory piece of music or writing.
- Example: The composer's prelude set the tone for the entire symphony.

1. To serve as a prelude to; to introduce.
- Example: The opening scene preluded the dramatic events that were to unfold.

From Latin 'praeludere', meaning 'to play before'.

prelude to:

An introduction to something that follows.

musical prelude:

A short piece of music played before a larger composition.

prologue:

An introductory section of a literary work.

foreword:

An introductory note in a book, typically written by someone other than the author.

Meaning: An opening act or introductory phase, often used in casual contexts.

Example Sentence: The party was just a prelude to the big concert later that night.