prelude

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows
  2. noun music that precedes a fugue or introduces an act in an opera
  3. verb serve as a prelude or opening to

Etymology

From Middle French prélude (“singing to test a musical instrument”), from Medieval Latin preludium, from Latin praelūdere.

In classic literature

Synonyms

preliminary, overture

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