3 meanings
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1 —as in:
played the William Tell Overture
Definition
orchestral music played as an introduction to a longer piece — especially an opera or oratorio- The overture was already being played when they arrived.
overture = orchestral music played as an introduction to a longer piece — especially an opera or oratorio
Other Uses (with this meaning)
- The stage was dark for a moment, and silent; then suddenly, with a burst of golden light and an orchestral overture from the CD player behind the curtain, Angel stepped onto the stage.Sharon M. Draper -- Forged by Fire
- The curtain had not yet risen and the overture was being played.Leo Tolstoy -- War and Peace
overture = orchestral music played as an introduction to a longer piece
2 —as in:
she made an overture
Definition
a tentative suggestion designed to elicit the reactions of others- She rejected his overture to be more than friends.
overture = a tentative suggestion designed to elicit the reactions of others
Other Uses (with this meaning)
- overtures of peace
- Washington's overtures to Damascus
- But now, when he has made his overtures so properly, and honourably—what are your scruples now?Jane Austen -- Mansfield Park
- My friendly overture had fallen flat.Harper Lee -- To Kill a Mockingbird
- I hear there is an overture of peace.William Shakespeare -- All's Well that End's Well
- ...the first overture of a marriage between the families...Jane Austen -- Northanger Abbey
overtures = offers or suggestions
overture = attempt to start a friendly conversation
3 —as in:
the play's overture
Definition
any beginning or introduction — such as a written introduction for a play, poem, or other literary work- The idea is introduced in the play's overture.
overture = any beginning or introduction — such as a written introduction for a play, poem, or other literary work
Other Uses (with this meaning)
- Drinks were the overture to dinner.
- an overture to war
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