Overture
/ˈoʊvərˌtʊr/
Definitions
3 meaningsAn orchestral piece at the beginning of an opera, play, or other long work.
/ˈoʊvərˌtʊr/
A musical introduction
The concert opened with a stirring overture.
💡 Simply: Imagine going to a concert. The overture is like the exciting appetizer – it's the music that starts the show and gets you ready for the main performance!
👶 For kids: The music at the beginning of a show!
More Examples
The audience fell silent as the overture began.
The composer wrote a beautiful overture for the ballet.
How It's Used
"The orchestra began the performance with a dramatic overture."
"The overture set the mood for the opera."
An approach or proposal made to someone with the aim of opening negotiations or establishing a relationship; a preliminary offer or proposal.
/ˈoʊvərˌtʊr/
An initiative offering something
The peace talks began with a diplomatic overture.
💡 Simply: Imagine you want to make friends with someone new. An overture is like a friendly 'hello' or an invitation to hang out, to start the friendship!
👶 For kids: When you try to be friends with someone new.
More Examples
She cautiously rejected his overture of friendship.
The company's overtures to its competitors were rebuffed.
How It's Used
"The government made an overture to the opposing faction."
"He made an overture of friendship to her."
To make a proposal to someone; offer.
/ˈoʊvərˌtʊr/
To make an approach
The company overtured the union to begin negotiating.
💡 Simply: To 'overture' is like making an offer or reaching out, especially to start talking about something serious.
👶 For kids: To try and offer something to someone.
More Examples
They decided to overture their partners for the next project.
They must overture the stakeholders.
How It's Used
"The countries overtured for a peace treaty"
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
make an overture
To initiate contact or a proposal.
"The company made an overture to acquire its competitor."
From French *ouverture*, literally 'opening', from *ouvrir* 'to open', ultimately from Latin *aperīre*.
Used in the 17th century to describe the opening movements in musical compositions, and later expanded to diplomatic initiatives.
Memory tip
Think of the 'opening' of a musical work.
Word Origin
"opening"