prelude
/ˈprɛl.juːd/- 1.
An event or action that comes before something bigger and more important. It hints at what is going to happen next.
- The border clashes were a prelude to full-scale war.
- Her early short stories were a prelude to her celebrated novels.
- The heavy clouds were a prelude to the storm that followed.
- 2.
A short piece of music played at the start of a longer work, such as an opera or suite. It can also be a short, independent musical composition.
- The pianist opened the concert with a Chopin prelude.
- The orchestra played a brief prelude before the opera began.
To come before something and introduce or lead into it. Used in formal or literary writing.
- A short speech preluded the formal award ceremony.
- Months of negotiation preluded the signing of the agreement.
Adinary Nuance
Prelude sits close to prologue, preamble, overture, and introduction, but each has a different feel. A prologue is almost always written or spoken — it opens a book, play, or speech. A preamble is formal and often legal, like the preamble to a constitution; it explains the purpose of what follows. An overture in non-musical use often means a diplomatic first move or offer (e.g., "peace overtures"), which prelude does not. Prelude is the most versatile of the group — it works in music, in academic writing, and in everyday metaphor — and it always carries a sense of anticipation, suggesting that what comes next is significant and inevitable.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Khúc dạo đầu
- Spanish
- Preludio
- Chinese
- 前奏
- Japanese
- 前奏曲
- Korean
- 서막
Etymology
From Latin "praeludium," meaning a practice or introduction, built from "prae" (before) and "ludere" (to play). It entered English in the mid-16th century via French "prélude," first in musical contexts and later in broader figurative use.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between 'prelude' and 'prologue'?
- A prologue is a written or spoken introduction to a book, film, or speech. A prelude is broader — it can describe a musical opening, a real-world event, or any situation that leads into something bigger. You would say 'the novel's prologue' but 'a prelude to the crisis.'
- Is 'prelude' a formal word?
- Yes, prelude leans toward formal and academic register. It is common in IELTS essays, history writing, and literary analysis. In everyday casual speech, people are more likely to say 'lead-up to' or 'build-up to' instead.
- Can 'prelude' be used as a verb in academic writing?
- Yes, but it is rare even in formal writing. Most writers prefer the noun form ('a prelude to') rather than the verb ('it preluded'). Stick to the noun for IELTS or academic essays — it sounds more natural.
- What is the difference between 'prelude' and 'preamble'?
- A preamble is usually a formal written statement at the start of a document, like a law or constitution, that explains its purpose. A prelude is more flexible — it can describe events, music, or situations. If you are writing about an opening clause in a treaty, use preamble. For most other contexts, prelude works better.