prologue

US /ˈproʊ.lɑːɡ/
UK /ˈproʊ.lɑːɡ/
"prologue" picture
1.

a separate introductory section of a literary or musical work

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The novel begins with a captivating prologue that sets the scene.
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The play's prologue introduced the main characters and the central conflict.
:
prefaceintroductionforewordpreludeopening
:
epilogueafterword
2.

an event or action that leads to another event or situation

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The small skirmish was a prologue to the full-scale war.
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His early struggles were a prologue to his later success.
:
preludeforetastebeginningopeningstart