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)

, o·ver·tured, o·ver·tur·ing.

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 calledconcert 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

Any overtures have been repeatedly rejected by Mr Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition, who will now also feel emboldened by the prospect of an incoming Donald Trump presidency.

From BBC

Carrillo attributed the local support for Trump — especially among Latinos — to the overtures he has made to the mining industry.

From Los Angeles Times

The U.S. government has a responsibility to follow up on every lead, and respond to every overture.

From Salon

And last week he extended that overture, calling Kemp “fantastic” at a visit in Savannah before the hurricane hit.

From Los Angeles Times

“She has not rolled out the details yet, but she has made overtures that she would like to drive crypto legislation,” Haas said, noting she was “cautiously optimistic.”

From Salon

Related Words

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