Prelude
/ˈpriː.ljuːd/noun
An introductory piece of music or an event that comes before something more important.
Did you know?Prelude comes from Latin *prae-* (“before”) + *ludere* (“to play”), and that same ancient root helps explain why words like *ludicrous*, *allude*, and *elude* are all tied to the old world of play, trickery, and performance.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
praeludere
“to play beforehand; to practice or introduce by playing”
Late Latin
Latin
praeludium
“an introductory performance or preface”
Old French
Old French
prelude
“an introduction, especially in music”
14th-15th Century
Middle English
prelude
“an introductory piece or opening act”
Modern English
English
prelude
“an introductory musical piece or something serving as an introduction”