preludenoun
uk/ˈprel.juːd/us/ˈprel.juːd/prelude noun (INTRODUCTION)
[ C usually singular ] something that comes before a more important event or action that introduces or prepares for it:
The changes are seen as a prelude to wide-ranging reforms.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Preceding and introducing
- announce
- antedate
- beat
- build-up
- countdown
- curtain-raiser
- emcee
- forerunner
- introduce
- introduction
- introductory
- lead 1
- lead up to sth
- lead-in
- preamble
- predate 1
- predecessor
- preface
- preliminary
- usher
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prelude noun (MUSIC)
[ C ] specialized music a short piece of music that introduces the main work
[ C ] specialized music a short independent piece of music written especially for the piano
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Musical pieces
- arrangement
- bolero
- bossa nova
- Britannia
- cantata
- fantasia
- melody
- nocturne
- octet
- opus
- passage
- playlist
- reel
- signature tune
- solo
- song form
- string quartet
- symphony
- trio
- tune
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