prelude
prelude Lexical Profile
prelude Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An action, event, or comment that serves as an introduction to something more important or extensive.
"The informal discussions over dinner served as a useful prelude to the formal peace negotiations the next morning."
An introductory piece of music, most commonly an orchestral opening to an act of an opera, the first movement of a suite, or a piece preceding a fugue; also, a short, self-contained composition for solo piano.
"The pianist opened her recital with a series of lyrical preludes by Chopin."
• verb
To serve as a prelude or introduction to something.
"A sudden drop in barometric pressure preluded the severe coastal storm."
To play or perform an introductory musical piece before a main composition or ceremony.
"The organist preluded quietly while the congregation took their seats."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Middle French prélude, from Medieval Latin praeludium ('a preliminary performance'), derived from Classical Latin praeludere ('to play beforehand, practice'), from prae- ('before') and ludere ('to play').