overture
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From Anglo-Norman, Middle French overture, from Old French overture.
Pronunciation [edit]
Noun [edit]
overture (plural overtures)
- (obsolete) An opening. [15th-19th c.]
- (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”, the Guardian:
- 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.
- 2012 April 23, Angelique Chrisafis, “François Hollande on top but far right scores record result in French election”, the Guardian:
- (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 which may or may not be an integral part of that piece of music. [from 17th c.]
Antonyms [edit]
- (opening of a piece of music): coda
Translations [edit]
approach
|
musical introduction
Related terms [edit]
Anagrams [edit]
Old French [edit]
Etymology [edit]
overt + -ure, from ovrir (“to open”)
Noun [edit]
overture f (oblique plural overtures, nominative singular overture, nominative plural overtures)
