Prelude
ˈprel.juːd
Definitions
2 meaningsAn introductory action or event leading up to a more important one.
ˈprel.juːd
An introductory performance or event.
The storm was merely a prelude to the tornado.
💡 Simply: Imagine a movie: the prelude is like the beginning scenes that set the mood and introduce the story before the big adventure starts. It's the warm-up act before something exciting happens!
👶 For kids: A prelude is like a little song or story that comes before the main song or story.
More Examples
The appetizers were a delicious prelude to the main course.
The student's essay was a prelude to a larger research project.
How It's Used
"The piano recital began with a beautiful prelude."
"The first chapter of the novel served as a prelude to the main story."
"The discussion was a prelude to the upcoming meeting."
To serve as an introduction or preceding event to something else.
ˈprel.juːd
To serve as an introduction to something.
The peaceful demonstrations preluded the violent protests.
💡 Simply: Think of a small concert at a music festival, and the events that happened earlier were like mini shows. They got everyone excited and were a preview of what was to come. Those events 'preluded' the main act.
👶 For kids: If something preludes something else, it's like the 'before' part of the story.
More Examples
The economic downturn preluded a period of austerity.
The initial setbacks preluded a shift in strategy.
How It's Used
"The events that occurred earlier that week preluded the revolution."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
a prelude to
Serving as an introduction or beginning to something else.
"The protests were just a prelude to the general strike."
From Latin *praeludium* 'a preliminary performance', from *prae* 'before' + *ludere* 'to play'.
The word 'prelude' has been used in both musical and literary contexts for centuries, consistently denoting an introduction or opening.
Memory tip
Think of it as the 'warm-up' act before the main show.
Word Origin
"'before play'"