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overture

 - 4 dictionary results

o⋅ver⋅ture

  [oh-ver-cher, -choor] noun, verb, -tured, -tur⋅ing.
Use overture in a Sentence
–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.
a. an orchestral composition forming the prelude or introduction to an opera, oratorio, etc.
b. an independent piece of similar character.
3. an introductory part, as of a poem; prelude; prologue.
4. (in Presbyterian churches)
a. the action of an ecclesiastical court in submitting a question or proposal to presbyteries.
b. the proposal or question so submitted.
–verb (used with object)
5. to submit as an overture or proposal: to overture conditions for a ceasefire.
6. to make an overture or proposal to: to overture one's adversary through a neutral party.
Origin:
1300–50; ME < OF; see overt, -ure; doublet of aperture

Synonyms:
1. See proposal.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To overture
o·ver·ture   (ō'vər-chŏŏr')   
n.  

  1. Music

    1. An instrumental composition intended especially as an introduction to an extended work, such as an opera or oratorio.

    2. A similar orchestral work intended for independent concert performance.

  2. An introductory section or part, as of a poem; a prelude.

  3. An act, offer, or proposal that indicates readiness to undertake a course of action or open a relationship.

tr.v.   o·ver·tured, o·ver·tur·ing, o·ver·tures

  1. To present as an introduction or proposal.

  2. To present or make an offer or proposal to.


[Middle English, opening, from Old French, from Vulgar Latin *ōpertūra, alteration (influenced by Latin cōperīre, to cover) of Latin apertūra, from apertus, past participle of aperīre, to open; see wer-4 in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Cultural Dictionary

overture

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.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

overture 
c.1250, "an introductory proposal," from O.Fr. overture "opening, proposal," from L. apertura "opening," from aperire "to open, uncover" (see overt). Orchestral sense first recorded in Eng. 1667.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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