Meaning & use
prelude
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountable
An event or action that comes before something bigger and prepares the way for it.
Grammar: Usually followed by 'to': a prelude to war.
Patterns
- a prelude to something
The talks were a prelude to a peace deal.
That early storm was a prelude to a terrible winter.
The argument proved a prelude to their breakup.
nouncountablemusic
A short piece of music that opens a longer work, or a short piece played on its own.
Grammar: Used in music writing.
Patterns
- a prelude to something
The orchestra began with a quiet prelude.
She played a Bach prelude on the piano.
The opera's prelude introduces the main theme.
nouncountableliterary
An introductory section or opening of a poem or book.
Grammar: Less common than 'prologue'.
The poem opens with a prelude about the sea.
His long prelude explained the book's purpose.
A short prelude set the scene.
Word forms
| plural | preludes |
|---|
Common combinations
- prelude to
- The meeting was a prelude to negotiations.
- a fitting prelude
- The rehearsal was a fitting prelude to the show.
- musical prelude
- A musical prelude warmed up the audience.
- serve as a prelude
- The skirmish served as a prelude to full war.
- ominous prelude
- The calm was an ominous prelude to the flood.
Synonyms and how they differ
- introduction
- Introduction is the general word for a beginning, while prelude suggests something that leads up to a main event.
- overture
- Overture is a musical opening for an opera, or an opening move toward a deal.
- prologue
- A prologue is a first section of a story, while prelude can also be an event.
- precursor
- Precursor stresses that something came first and caused or foreshadowed the next thing.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: prelude or prologue?
prelude vs prologue
A prologue begins a book, play or film. A prelude can introduce music or be an event leading to something bigger.
Practice
Which word is the opposite of prelude?
Choose one answer.
An epilogue comes at the end, while a prelude comes before. Preface and overture are similar to prelude, and an interlude comes in the middle.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “prelude”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.