prelude

Where does the word "prelude" come from? It comes from Latin praeludere, passing through Medieval Latin before entering English (1500s).

Prelude’s story begins in Latin: praeludere meant “to play beforehand.” To play beforehand, from prae- (before) and ludere (to play). By medieval, the word had taken hold in Medieval Latin as praeludium. Formed as a noun for an introductory performance. It reached English by 1500s as prelude. Settled as the English word for an introductory action or piece of music. Today, prelude means an introductory event, action, or piece of music before something more substantial.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient praeludere "to play beforehand", to play beforehand, from prae- (before) and ludere (to play).
2. Stage 2 · Medieval Latin · medieval praeludium "an introductory performance", formed as a noun for an introductory performance.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1500s prelude "an introductory action or piece of music", settled as the English word for an introductory action or piece of music.