Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
Advanced Dictionary      
Lookup History
prelude

prel·ude

prelude

 
 
pronunciation:
preI lud [or] pri lud
parts of speech:
noun, transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (noun), Word Parts
part of speech: noun
definition 1: an introductory event or act; preface; preliminary.
The arrest of these writers was only a prelude to large-scale government oppression.We thought he'd finished telling the story, but what we'd heard was only a prelude to a very long tale.
similar words:
introduction, overture, preamble, preface, preliminary, prologue
definition 2: in music, an introductory piece or movement such as an overture, or a short, independent instrumental composition in a free form like an impromptu or improvisation.
Chopin's preludes for piano are among his most beloved works.
similar words:
introduction, overture
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: preludes, preluding, preluded
definition 1: to be a prelude to.
definition 2: to introduce with a prelude.
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to serve as a prelude.
definition 2: to give or play a prelude.
Word PartsSubscriber feature About this feature