prelude

A short piece of music, sometimes played before a longer piece.

• She played a prelude on the piano.
• The concert opened with a short orchestral prelude.
• He composed several preludes for organ.

Similar words: intrada, overture

Common phrases: piano prelude, organ prelude, prelude and fugue

An event or action that comes before and introduces something more important.

• The speech was a prelude to dinner.
• These arguments proved a prelude to their separation.
• A short ceremony served as a prelude to the celebrations.

How to use it: a prelude to something (The talks were a prelude to a formal agreement.)

Similar words: introduction, preliminary, lead-in

Common phrases: prelude to something, brief prelude

To introduce something with an earlier action or performance.

• A trumpet call preluded the ceremony.
• He preluded his announcement with a short explanation.
• The musicians preluded the performance with a quiet melody.

How to use it: prelude something with something (She preluded her speech with a poem.)

Similar words: introduce, preface

Common phrases: prelude something with, prelude a performance