prelude

1 a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event <an eruption of sectarian violence that proved to be the prelude to all-out civil war> Synonyms curtain-raiser, overture, preamble, preliminary, prologue (also prolog), warm-up Related Words countdown, run-up [chiefly British]; lead-in; kickoff, start

2 a short section (as of a book) that leads to or explains the main part <the musical had a brief prelude to get the audience in the proper mood> Synonyms exordium, foreword, intro, preamble, preface, introduction, proem, prologue (also prolog), prolusionRelated Words beginning, commencement, initiation, opening, origin, origination, outset, startNear Antonyms envoi (or envoy), postscript; aftermath; cessation, close, closing, conclusion, end, finale, finish, stop, terminationAntonyms epilogue (also epilog)