overtures

o·ver·ture  (vr-chr)

n.

1. Music

a. An instrumental composition intended especially as an introduction to an extended work, such as an opera or oratorio.

b. A similar orchestral work intended for independent concert performance.

2. An introductory section or part, as of a poem; a prelude.

3. An act, offer, or proposal that indicates readiness to undertake a course of action or open a relationship.

tr.v. o·ver·tured, o·ver·tur·ing, o·ver·tures

1. To present as an introduction or proposal.

2. To present or make an offer or proposal to.

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[Middle English, opening, from Old French, from Vulgar Latin *pertra, alteration (influenced by Latin cperre, to cover) of Latin apertra, from apertus, past participle of aperre, to open; see wer-⁴ in Indo-European roots.]

Thesaurus

overtures

plural noun approach, offer, advance, proposal, appeal, invitation, tender, proposition, opening move, conciliatory move << OPPOSITE rejection