noun
overture
OH-vuht-yoor
noun
1
A first approach or proposal made to start talks or a relationship.
"The two countries made overtures toward peace."
"He made an overture of friendship after the argument."
2
A piece of music that opens an opera, musical, or other larger work.
"The orchestra played the overture before the curtain rose."
How to Use Overture
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn opening move toward agreement, or the musical introduction to a larger piece.
Common pairings
peace overtures
make overtures
orchestral overture
Word Forms
overtured past tense, overtures plural, overtures singular
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The two countries made _____ toward peace.
Etymology
From Old French overture, ultimately from Latin apertura ("opening"). It is a doublet of aperture.