Overture
noun
An introduction to something more substantial.
The talks were seen as an overture to a full summit
Often appears as...
- peaceful overture
- friendly overture
noun
A musical composition played before the start of an opera or play.
The opera begins with a spirited overture
Often appears as...
- symphonic overture
- orchestral overture
Usage tips
Technical
noun
An approach or proposal made to someone with the aim of starting a relationship or establishing an understanding.
He made a romantic overture to his coworker
Often appears as...
- romantic overture
- business overture
noun
An introduction to something more substantial.
The talks were seen as an overture to a full summit
Often appears as...
- peaceful overture
- friendly overture
noun
A musical composition played before the start of an opera or play.
The opera begins with a spirited overture
Often appears as...
- symphonic overture
- orchestral overture
Usage tips
Technical
noun
An approach or proposal made to someone with the aim of starting a relationship or establishing an understanding.
He made a romantic overture to his coworker
Often appears as...
- romantic overture
- business overture
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Start of Conversation
Use 'overture' to describe an action that initiates a meaningful conversation or discussion.
His comments about climate change were just an overture to the environmental debate.
Pro Tip 2/3Not a Conclusion
'Overture' should not be mistaken for an end; it is always a beginning leading to something else.
The ceasefire was an overture to peace talks, not the end of the conflict.
Pro Tip 3/3Positive Initiative
The word 'overture' often has a positive connotation, suggesting a proactive and well-intentioned gesture.
Her volunteer work was an overture to community building.
Pro Tip 1/3Start of Conversation
Use 'overture' to describe an action that initiates a meaningful conversation or discussion.
His comments about climate change were just an overture to the environmental debate.
Pro Tip 2/3Not a Conclusion
'Overture' should not be mistaken for an end; it is always a beginning leading to something else.
The ceasefire was an overture to peace talks, not the end of the conflict.
Pro Tip 3/3Positive Initiative
The word 'overture' often has a positive connotation, suggesting a proactive and well-intentioned gesture.
Her volunteer work was an overture to community building.
Pro Tip 1/3Start of Conversation
Use 'overture' to describe an action that initiates a meaningful conversation or discussion.
His comments about climate change were just an overture to the environmental debate.
Pro Tip 2/3Not a Conclusion
'Overture' should not be mistaken for an end; it is always a beginning leading to something else.
The ceasefire was an overture to peace talks, not the end of the conflict.
Pro Tip 3/3Positive Initiative
The word 'overture' often has a positive connotation, suggesting a proactive and well-intentioned gesture.
Her volunteer work was an overture to community building.
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Video examples
The chaotic brilliance...
into an inventive visual language. He worked as if inserting himself into the legacy of artists he borrowed from, producing collages that were just as much in conversation with art history as they were with each other. For instance, "Toussaint L’Overture versus Savonarola"
Video examples
Charles Limb: Building...
The "1812 Overture" isn't worth waking for.
Video examples
The chaotic brilliance...
into an inventive visual language. He worked as if inserting himself into the legacy of artists he borrowed from, producing collages that were just as much in conversation with art history as they were with each other. For instance, "Toussaint L’Overture versus Savonarola"
Video examples
Charles Limb: Building...
The "1812 Overture" isn't worth waking for.
Example 1 of 2
Quote examples
Paul Merton
British Comedian
I was never one to go up to someone as a five- or six-year-old and say, 'Hello, my name's Paul, will you be my friend?' But I found if I did an impression of the PE teacher or whatever and people laughed, then they did like me, and so then they started talking to me, rather than me making the initial overture and then maybe being rebuffed.
Quote examples
Nicole Mones
American Novelist
In my own life I studied music, not creative writing; I see a novel as music - an opening as an overture, themes and subplots as lines in a fugue. The chance to write a novel about a musician boxed in by all kinds of limitations but who plays out his ultimate struggle for freedom at the piano was irresistible.
Quote examples
Tony Danza
American Actor
I worked at an old folks' home once in Harlem, and I was an activities volunteer. I used to do all these plays with the old people. I did 'The Wizard of Oz;' it was adapted. There was a guy there who played the harmonica, so we had an overture, and The Wizard was 96.
Quote examples
Martha MacCallum
American Journalist
Early in my career, I was subjected to harassment in the form of some unwelcome suggestive comments and overtures.
Quote examples
David Lloyd
British Artist
The beginning of Book Three is the last one that I drew, where V's conducting the 1812 overture.
Quote examples
Kelli O'Hara
American Actress
The 'Carousel' overture has always been one of my all-time favorite pieces of music.
Quote examples
Paul Merton
British Comedian
I was never one to go up to someone as a five- or six-year-old and say, 'Hello, my name's Paul, will you be my friend?' But I found if I did an impression of the PE teacher or whatever and people laughed, then they did like me, and so then they started talking to me, rather than me making the initial overture and then maybe being rebuffed.
Quote examples
Nicole Mones
American Novelist
In my own life I studied music, not creative writing; I see a novel as music - an opening as an overture, themes and subplots as lines in a fugue. The chance to write a novel about a musician boxed in by all kinds of limitations but who plays out his ultimate struggle for freedom at the piano was irresistible.
Quote examples
Tony Danza
American Actor
I worked at an old folks' home once in Harlem, and I was an activities volunteer. I used to do all these plays with the old people. I did 'The Wizard of Oz;' it was adapted. There was a guy there who played the harmonica, so we had an overture, and The Wizard was 96.
Quote examples
Martha MacCallum
American Journalist
Early in my career, I was subjected to harassment in the form of some unwelcome suggestive comments and overtures.
Quote examples
David Lloyd
British Artist
The beginning of Book Three is the last one that I drew, where V's conducting the 1812 overture.
Quote examples
Kelli O'Hara
American Actress
The 'Carousel' overture has always been one of my all-time favorite pieces of music.
Example 1 of 6
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