overture
UK: ˈəʊvətjʊə | US: ˈoʊvərtʃər
n. 1. An orchestral piece at the beginning of an opera, ballet, or musical, often introducing themes.
n. 2. A formal proposal or initiative, especially in diplomacy or relationships.
n. 3. (Archaic) An introductory act or event.
Derived from Old French overture (meaning "opening"), which traces back to Latin apertura (from aperire, "to open"). The morpheme over reflects the idea of "opening outward" or "initiation," while -ture functions as a noun-forming suffix. The word evolved in English to denote both musical introductions and metaphorical "openings" (e.g., diplomatic proposals).
The opera began with a dramatic overture.
The peace talks started with a diplomatic overture.
His letter was an overture to reconciliation.
The composer wrote a new overture for the ballet.
She ignored his romantic overtures.