overture

[oh-ver-cher, -choor]

noun

1. an opening or initiating move toward negotiations, a new relationship, an agreement, etc.; a formal or informal proposal or offer.

   overtures of peace; a shy man who rarely made overtures of friendship.

2. Music.

   1. an orchestral composition forming the prelude or introduction to an opera, oratorio, etc.

   2. an independent piece of similar character.

3. an introductory part, as of a poem; prelude; prologue.

4. (in Presbyterian churches)

   1. the action of an ecclesiastical court in submitting a question or proposal to presbyteries.

   2. the proposal or question so submitted.

verb (used with object)

overtured, overturing 

1. to submit as an overture or proposal.

   to overture conditions for a ceasefire.

2. to make an overture or proposal to.

   to overture one's adversary through a neutral party.

overture

/ ˈəʊvəˌtjʊə /

noun

1. music

   1. a piece of orchestral music containing contrasting sections that is played at the beginning of an opera or oratorio, often containing the main musical themes of the work

   2. a similar piece preceding the performance of a play

   3. Also called: concert overture. a one-movement orchestral piece, usually having a descriptive or evocative title

   4. a short piece in three movements ( French overture or Italian overture ) common in the 17th and 18th centuries

2. (often plural) a proposal, act, or gesture initiating a relationship, negotiation, etc

3. something that introduces what follows

verb

1. to make or present an overture to

2. to introduce with an overture

overture

1. A piece of music for instruments alone, written as an introduction to a longer work, such as an opera, an oratorio, or a musical comedy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of overture¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Old French; overt, -ure; doublet of aperture

Word History and Origins

Origin of overture¹

C14: via Old French, from Late Latin apertūra opening, from Latin aperīre to open; see _overt

Synonym Study

See proposal.

Example Sentences

Not all clans have been receptive to Israel’s overtures.

From Los Angeles Times

By contrast, “Shadow Ticket” offers a wildly seductive overture, a companionable but occasionally slack midsection, and a haunting sucker punch of an ending.

From Los Angeles Times

The likes of Andrew Friedman and Dave Dombrowski have declined overtures in past years from the Angels, who never have hired a president of baseball operations to work in concert with a general manager.

From Los Angeles Times

Beginning at twilight and extending into the evening, “The Cortège” starts with an overture, a six-piece band performing in the center of the field.

From Los Angeles Times

Flashy diplomatic overtures to Moscow appeared to be backfiring.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bid 
• invitation 
• presentation 
• proposal 
• proposition 
• signal 
• suggestion