prelude
n
1 ~ (to sth)
(a) action or event that happens before another larger or more important one and forms an introduction to it (行動或事件的)序幕, 前奏
His frequent depressions were the prelude to a complete mental breakdown. 他經常抑郁寡歡, 後來精神完全崩潰了.
The bankruptcy of several small firms was the prelude to general economic collapse. 幾家小商行倒閉了, 隨之而來的是經濟大蕭條.
I'm afraid that these troubles are just a prelude, ie to worse ones. 我看這些為難事只是個引子(大問題在後面).
(b) introductory part of a poem, etc (詩等的)序
The lines form a prelude to his long narrative poem. 這幾行詩是他那長篇敘事詩的序詩.
2 (music 音)
(a) introductory movement coming before a fugue or forming the first part of a suite 前奏曲.
(b) short piece of music of a similar type 類似上述樂曲之小段.