prelude

The definition of a prelude is something that serves as an introduction.

(noun)

  1. The opening introduction before a literary work begins is an example of the prelude.
  2. The romantic overtures that a person makes leading up to a kiss are an example of a prelude.

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See prelude in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

  1. anything serving as the introduction to a principal event, action, performance, etc.; preliminary part; preface; opening
  2. Music
    1. an introductory instrumental composition, such as the first movement of a suite or the overture to an opera
    2. since the 19th cent., any short, romantic composition

Origin: Fr prélude < ML praeludium < L praeludere, to play beforehand < prae-, pre- + ludere, to play < ludus: see ludicrous

transitive verb, intransitive verb preluded, preluding

  1. to serve as or be a prelude (to)
  2. to introduce by or play (as) a prelude

Origin: L praeludere

Related Forms:

See prelude in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. An introductory performance, event, or action preceding a more important one; a preliminary or preface.
  2. Music
    a. A piece or movement that serves as an introduction to another section or composition and establishes the key, such as one that precedes a fugue, opens a suite, or precedes a church service.
    b. A similar but independent composition for the piano.
    c. The overture to an oratorio, opera, or act of an opera.
    d. A short composition of the 15th and early 16th centuries written in a free style, usually for keyboard.
verb prel·ud·ed, prel·ud·ing, prel·udes
verb, transitive
  1. To serve as a prelude to.
  2. To introduce with or as if with a prelude.
verb, intransitive
To serve as a prelude or introduction.

Origin:

Origin: Medieval Latin praelūdium

Origin: , from Latin praelūdere, to play beforehand

Origin: : prae-, pre-

Origin: + lūdere, to play; see leid- in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • prelˈudˌer noun
  • pre·luˈdi·al (prĭ-lo͞oˈdē-əl) adjective

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