Prelude — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈprel-ˌyüd/ pre·lude

Meaning & Definition of Prelude

Prelude (noun)

  1. an introductory performance, action, or event preceding and preparing for the principal or a more important matter
  2. a musical section or movement introducing the theme or chief subject (as of a fugue or suite) or serving as an introduction to an opera or oratorio
  3. an opening voluntary

Prelude (verb)

  1. to serve as a prelude to
  2. to play as a prelude
  3. to give or serve as a prelude; especially, to play a musical introduction

Prelude (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event

    "an eruption of sectarian violence that proved to be the prelude to all-out civil war"

    similar: curtain-raiser, overture, preamble, preliminary, prologue, warm-up
    related: countdown, run-up (chiefly British), lead-in, kickoff, start

  2. a short section (as of a book) that leads to or explains the main part

    "the musical had a brief prelude to get the audience in the proper mood"

    similar: exordium, foreword, intro, introduction, preamble, preface, proem, prologue, prolusion
    related: beginning, commencement, initiation, opening, origin, origination, outset, start
    opposite: epilogue
    near: envoi, postscript, aftermath, cessation, close, closing, conclusion, end, finale, finish, stop, termination

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Prelude

The most common words with a similar meaning to Prelude:

curtain-raiser, overture, preamble, preliminary, prologue, warm-up, exordium, foreword, intro, introduction, preface, proem, prolusion

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Prelude

Words with the opposite meaning of Prelude:

epilogue

Related Words for Prelude

countdown, run-up, lead-in, kickoff, start, beginning, commencement, initiation, opening, origin, origination, outset

Near Antonyms of Prelude

envoi, postscript, aftermath, cessation, close, closing, conclusion, end, finale, finish, stop, termination

Word Forms of Prelude

Inflections: preluded, preluding

Derived words: preluder (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Prelude

borrowed from Middle French, "series of notes played or sung to test an instrument or the voice," borrowed from Medieval Latin praelūdium "introductory or preparatory performance," from Latin praelūdere "to compose an introduction to a longer work, make a trial attempt" (from prae- pre- + lūdere "to play, amuse oneself") + -ium, suffix of deverbal compounds ludicrous

First known use: 1548

Words & Phrases Containing Prelude

chorale prelude

Frequently Asked Questions about Prelude

What does "Prelude" mean?

"Prelude" means an introductory performance, action, or event preceding and preparing for the principal or a more important matter. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: an introductory performance, action, or event preceding and preparing for the principal or a more important matter. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Prelude"?

Other words for "Prelude" include curtain-raiser, overture, preamble, preliminary, prologue, warm-up, exordium and foreword. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Prelude" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Prelude"?

There are 25 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Prelude". Common alternatives include curtain-raiser, overture, preamble, preliminary, prologue, warm-up, exordium, foreword, intro and introduction.

What is the opposite of "Prelude"?

Antonyms of "Prelude" include epilogue. Near antonyms include envoi, postscript, aftermath and cessation.

How do you use "Prelude" in a sentence?

Examples of "Prelude" in a sentence: "an eruption of sectarian violence that proved to be the prelude to all-out civil war"; "the musical had a brief prelude to get the audience in the proper mood".

Is "Prelude" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Prelude" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Prelude"?

"Prelude" is pronounced /ˈprel-ˌyüd/ and divided into syllables as pre·lude.

What is the origin of the word "Prelude"?

"Prelude" comes from borrowed from Middle French, "series of notes played or sung to test an instrument or the voice," borrowed from Medieval Latin praelūdium "introductory or preparatory performance," from Latin praelūdere "to compose an introduction to a longer work, make a trial attempt" (from prae- pre- + lūdere "to play, amuse oneself") + -ium, suffix of deverbal compounds ludicrous. First known use: 1548.