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prelude
[ prel-yood, preyl-, prey-lood, pree- ]
noun
- a preliminary to an action, event, condition, or work of broader scope and higher importance.
Synonyms: beginning, opening, introduction
- any action, event, comment, etc. that precedes something else.
- Music.
- a relatively short, independent instrumental composition, free in form and resembling an improvisation.
- a piece that precedes a more important movement.
- the overture to an opera.
- an independent piece, of moderate length, sometimes used as an introduction to a fugue.
- music opening a church service; an introductory voluntary.
verb (used with object)
- to serve as a prelude or introduction to.
- to introduce by a prelude.
- to play as a prelude.
verb (used without object)
- to serve as a prelude.
- to give a prelude.
- to play a prelude.
prelude
/ prɪˈljuːsərɪ; prɪˈljuːʒən; prɪˈljuːsɪv; ˈprɛljuːd; prɪˈljuːdə; ˈprɛljʊdə /
noun
- a piece of music that precedes a fugue, or forms the first movement of a suite, or an introduction to an act in an opera, etc
- (esp for piano) a self-contained piece of music
- something serving as an introduction or preceding event, occurrence, etc
verb
- to serve as a prelude to (something)
- tr to introduce by a prelude
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Derived Forms
- preˈlusively, adverb
- prelusion, noun
- prelusive, adjective
- preluder, noun
- preˈludial, adjective
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Other Words From
- prelud·er noun
- pre·lu·di·al [pri-, loo, -dee-, uh, l], pre·ludi·ous adjective
- pre·ludi·ous·ly adverb
- un·prelud·ed adjective
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Word History and Origins
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Word History and Origins
Origin of prelude1
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Example Sentences
There was an entryway near here to another courtyard, itself a prelude to the heart of the main temple.
This could be a prelude to peace talks—or intensified fighting.
Or will they be merely the dark prelude to an even darker future?
We should hope this only sounds like a prelude to an intervention.
Marguerite hoped it would be the prelude to a book she wanted to write, and asked if I could get it published somewhere.
A full, busy youth is your only prelude to a self-contained and independent age; and the muff inevitably develops into a bore.
A trifling dispute with which his reign began was the prelude to very serious events.
And so, with this prelude, I may as well tell without more delay what evil fortune was in store for us.
Is it not possible that Chopin may have afterwards substituted the new Prelude for one of those already forwarded to France?
Chopin began generally to prelude apathetically and only gradually grew warm, but then his playing was really grand.
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