Overture
Pronunciation
- UK IPA: /ˈəʊvətjʊə/, /ˈəʊvətʃ(ʊ)ə/
- US IPA: /ˈoʊvəɹtʃəɹ/
Origin
From Anglo-Norman, Middle French overture, from Old French overture.
Full definition of overture
Noun
overture
(plural overtures)- (obsolete) An opening; a recess or chamber. 15th-19th c.
- Chapmanthe cave's inmost overture
- (obsolete) disclosure; discovery; revelation
- ShakespeareIt was he
That made the overture of thy treasons to us. - (often in plural) An approach or proposal made to initiate communication, establish a relationship etc. from 15th c.
- 2012, April 23, Angelique Chrisafis, François Hollande on top but far right scores record result in French election, Sarkozy gave a defiant speech, going on the offensive and betraying no hint of having been beaten. He styled the result as a "crisis" vote, by a French population which was "suffering". In a clear overture to Le Pen's voters, and the extreme-right motto of loving France, he said: "I call on all French people who put love of their country above partisan considerations, to unite and join me."
- 1994, Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom, Abacus 2010, p. 20:My mother had no choice; one did not turn down such an overture from the regent.
- (Scotland) A motion placed before a legislative body, such as the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. from 16th c.
- (music) a musical introduction to a piece of music. from 17th c.
Antonyms
- (opening of a piece of music) coda