Definitions for preludeˈprɛl yud, ˈpreɪl-, ˈpreɪ lud, ˈpri-

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Random House Webster's College Dictionary

prel•udeˈprɛl yud, ˈpreɪl-, ˈpreɪ lud, ˈpri-(n.; v.)-ud•ed, -ud•ing.

  1. (n.)a preliminary to an action, event, condition, or work of broader scope and higher importance.

  2. any action, event, comment, etc., that precedes something else.

  3. Music. a relatively short, independent instrumental composition, free in form and resembling an improvisation. a piece that is introductory to another piece, as a fugue. the overture to an opera. music opening a church service; an introductory voluntary.

    Category: Music and Dance

  4. (v.t.)to serve as a prelude or introduction to.

  5. to introduce by a prelude.

  6. to play as a prelude.

  7. (v.i.)to serve as a prelude.

  8. to give a prelude.

  9. to play a prelude.

Origin of prelude:

1555–65; < ML praelūdium= L praelūd(ere) to compose a prelude (prae-pre - +lūdere to write for amusement, play) + -ium -ium1

Princeton's WordNet

  1. preliminary, overture, prelude(noun)

    something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows

    "training is a necessary preliminary to employment"; "drinks were the overture to dinner"

  2. prelude(verb)

    music that precedes a fugue or introduces an act in an opera

  3. prelude(verb)

    serve as a prelude or opening to

  4. prelude(verb)

    play as a prelude

Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary

  1. prelude(noun)ˈprɛl yud, ˈpreɪl-, ˈpreɪ lud, ˈpri-

    sth that leads to or introduces a more important thing

    The border fighting was a prelude to the war.

Wiktionary

  1. prelude(Noun)

    An introductory or preliminary performance or event; a preface.

  2. prelude(Noun)

    A short piece of music that acts as an introduction to a longer piece.

  3. prelude(Verb)

    To introduce something, as a prelude.

  4. Origin: From prelude, from preludium, from earlier praeludere.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Prelude(verb)

    an introductory performance, preceding and preparing for the principal matter; a preliminary part, movement, strain, etc.; especially (Mus.), a strain introducing the theme or chief subject; a movement introductory to a fugue, yet independent; -- with recent composers often synonymous with overture

  2. Prelude(verb)

    to play an introduction or prelude; to give a prefatory performance; to serve as prelude

  3. Prelude(verb)

    to introduce with a previous performance; to play or perform a prelude to; as, to prelude a concert with a lively air

  4. Prelude(verb)

    to serve as prelude to; to precede as introductory


Translations for prelude

Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary

prelude(noun)

an event etc that goes before, and acts as an introduction to, something.

Get even more translations for prelude »


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