Overture

Quick meaning: Overture is a noun meaning (often in plural) An approach or proposal made to initiate communication, establish a relationship etc.

Meaning

(often in plural) An approach or proposal made to initiate communication, establish a relationship etc.

More Meanings

1. (Scotland) A motion placed before a legislative body, such as the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
2. (music) A musical introduction to a longer piece of music or a dramatic work (such as a play, an opera, or a motion picture).
3. (intransitive) To make overtures; to approach with a proposal.
4. (heraldry, nonstandard) Overt, that is, disclosed.
5. (music) A medley of themes from a larger work, such as an opera or musical, typically played at the beginning but sometimes played at any part of the work or performed as a standalone piece.
6. (obsolete) An opening; a recess or chamber.
7. (obsolete) Disclosure; discovery; revelation.

Example Sentences

overture of friendship

It was he That made the overture of thy treasons to us.

c. 1612', George Chapman, A Hymne to Hermes the cave's inmost overture

My mother had no choice; one did not turn down such an overture from the regent.

Word Forms

• overtures
• overturing
• overtured

Synonyms for overture

Depending on context, synonyms include advance, approach, preliminary, prelude, feeler.

Antonyms for overture

Common opposites include coda.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include advance, approach, feeler, preliminary, prelude, open.

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