noun / verb
prelude
PREL-yood/ˈpreljuːd/
An introductory part that leads into something further.
The scattered petals form a prelude to the couple's ceremonial entrance.
Etymology
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.
In context
all the Deeds that he had done and all the glory which he had acquired as only the introduction and Prelude to the far more distinguished and conspicuous part which he was intending to perform
More examples
- The orchestra plays a quiet prelude before the curtain rises.
- These small disagreements are a prelude to a larger conflict.
- A brief fanfare preludes the ceremony.
Forms
prelude · preludes · preluded · preluding
Similar words
- introduction
- A broader term for an opening that presents what follows.
- overture
- Usually an orchestral opening to an opera or similar work.
- preface
- Usually an author's opening explanation of a book.