WordValeprelude
a short piece introducing a larger work
In more detail
1. (noun) something that happens before a more important event and often indicates what will happen next
2. (noun) a short piece of music played at the beginning of a longer piece or before a concert
Examples
- The riots were a prelude to the revolution that changed the country.
- The pianist performed a beautiful prelude before the main symphony.
How to use prelude
Prelude is used to describe something that comes before and foreshadows a larger or more significant event. In music, it refers to a standalone instrumental piece or an introductory movement. The word has a formal, somewhat literary quality and is common in both academic and artistic contexts.
Common phrases
- a prelude to
- serve as a prelude
- brief prelude
- piano prelude
- orchestral prelude
Synonyms
introduction · opening · overture · forerunner · preamble
Opposites
conclusion · finale · epilogue
Word family
prelude (noun) · prelude (verb) · preluding
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse prelude with prologue; while both introduce something, prelude emphasizes what comes before and hints at what follows, whereas prologue is a spoken or written introduction, particularly in literature.
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