prelude

[ˈprɛljuːd]

prelude Definition

• 1. an action or event serving as an introduction to something more important
• 2. a short piece of music that acts as an introduction to a longer piece

Using prelude: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "prelude" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The riots were a prelude to the revolution.

• Example

  The prelude to the concert was a speech by the conductor.

• Example

  The prelude is a beautiful piece of music in its own right.

• Example

  The prelude sets the tone for the entire symphony.

prelude Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for prelude

• introduction
• overture
• prologue
• preamble
• foreword

Antonyms for prelude

• epilogue
• postlude

Phrases with prelude

• prelude to disaster

  an event or action that foreshadows or leads to a catastrophic outcome

  Example

  The company's bankruptcy was a prelude to disaster.

• prelude to war

  an event or action that signals the start of a conflict or war

  Example

  The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was a prelude to World War I.

• play a prelude

  to perform a short piece of music that acts as an introduction to a longer piece

  Example

  The pianist played a beautiful prelude before launching into the sonata.

Origins of prelude

from French 'prélude', from Medieval Latin 'praeludium', from Latin 'prae' meaning 'before' + 'ludere' meaning 'to play'

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Summary: prelude in Brief

A 'prelude' [ˈprɛljuːd] can refer to an action or event that serves as an introduction to something more important, such as 'The riots were a prelude to the revolution.' It can also refer to a short piece of music that acts as an introduction to a longer piece, like 'The prelude sets the tone for the entire symphony.' Other phrases include 'prelude to disaster,' which refers to an event that foreshadows a catastrophic outcome, and 'prelude to war,' which signals the start of a conflict.