Prelude

Example sentences

• The soft light was a prelude to sunrise.
• This speech is a necessary prelude to the new plan.

Word origin and roots

from Latin

• pre — before (from Latin)
• lud — play (from Latin)

Synonyms and nuances

• introduction (opening something formally)
• forerunner (coming before and predicting what follows)
• beginning (marking the start of something larger)

Words with the same root

ludere — to play

• elude — to avoid by slipping away — to escape from
• allude — to play toward something indirectly — to hint without stating
• ludicrous — so absurd it belongs in play — ridiculously silly

Lesson notes

Prelude. It means an action or event that happens before a more important one.

Similar words are introduction, forerunner, and beginning. Use Prelude when preparing for what follows.

The soft light was a prelude to sunrise. This speech is a necessary prelude to the new plan.

They played before the show. That early play was a prelude.