As a noun, a prelude is an event or action that comes before something more important, often preparing the way. In music, it is a short piece played as an introduction. As a verb, it means to serve as a prelude to something.
“Prelude” comes from French *prélude*, from Medieval Latin *praeludium*, from *prae-* (“before”) + *ludere* (“to play”). It originally referred to musicians “playing before” the main piece.
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