rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: prae-
Latin

prae-

before, in front of

Forms

  • prae-
  • pre- — The usual English form, often transmitted through French.

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *prai, ‘before,’ related to an older family of words for forward position.

Note

The same relationship can locate something earlier in time or ahead in space.

43 / 94
A flower girl scatters petals ahead of a bride and groom waiting at the entrance to a wedding aisle: a small introductory action visibly precedes the main ceremonial entrance.
noun / verb

prelude

PREL-yood/ˈpreljuːd/

An introductory part that leads into something further.

Etymology
preLatinbefore, in front of
+ludeLatinplay

The image is of playing beforehand for practice or to test an instrument. Such introductory playing supplies the broader idea of an action or event preceding something more important.

Full entry

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