Prelude

/ˈprɛljuːd/

Meaning & Definition

noun

An action or event that serves as an introduction to something more important.

The sudden snowfall was a prelude to the harsh winter that followed.

A preliminary performance or event, especially in music.

The concert began with a gentle prelude that captivated the audience.

A short introductory piece of music or writing.

The composer's prelude set the tone for the entire symphony.

verb

To serve as a prelude to; to introduce.

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.

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

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