prelude

/ˈprɛljud/
noun
  1. An introductory piece of music, often before a longer work or performance.
    • Chopin's preludes are famous for their emotional depth.
    • The orchestra performed a short prelude to set the mood.
    • The pianist played a beautiful prelude before the main concert began.
  2. An event or action that serves as an introduction to something more important.
    • The small skirmish was a prelude to a larger war.
    • The storm was a prelude to the changing season.
    • Her speech was a prelude to the official announcement.
verb
  1. To serve as an introduction to something; to begin or lead into.
    • The opening act preluded the main performance.
    • His remarks preluded the formal discussion.
    • The gentle rain preluded the thunderstorm.
What does "prelude" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean