overtures
overtures — noun
- overturessingular
- overturesesplural
1. a short musical work performed by an orchestra to open an opera, ballet, or conc
a short musical work performed by an orchestra to open an opera, ballet, or concert, typically introducing themes that will be heard again during the main performance
The orchestra played the overture to Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro before the curtain rose.
collocation: overture to [musical work]
Antonia recognised the overture to Bizet's Carmen from the very first chord the orchestra played.
pattern: recognise the overture to [musical work]
The overture to La Bohème reached its final flourish, and the audience rose to its feet.
Many opera fans arrive early just to hear the overture and study the programme notes.
Layla bought a CD of overtures from famous operas to play during her long drives.
- prelude
a shorter introductory piece, not necessarily for orchestra; can also refer to an introductory section of a single movement
- introduction
a more general term for the opening section of any piece, not limited to classical music
文法句型
overture + to [piece name]
用法筆記
This sense is often used in the singular form (overture) when referring to a single piece. The plural (overtures) can mean a collection of such pieces.
常見錯誤
2. an expression of interest or a tentative offer made to someone, especially in or
an expression of interest or a tentative offer made to someone, especially in order to begin a relationship, discussion, or negotiation
The company made overtures to several European firms about a possible partnership.
pattern: make overtures to [organisation/person]
Ignacio rejected their overtures because he did not trust the management.
After years of silence, the two leaders exchanged overtures aimed at ending the conflict.
James interpreted his colleague's friendly email as an overture to restart their business relationship.
The union made overtures to management, offering to negotiate a new contract before the deadline.
- approach
a direct contact or proposal; less tentative than overtures
- proposal
a more definite and formal suggestion, often with specific terms
- feeler
an informal, very tentative suggestion to test reaction before making a firm proposal
- initiative
an active first step, often in diplomacy or business, with a stronger sense of action
文法句型
make overtures to [someone]
用法筆記
In this sense the plural form overtures is far more common than the singular, especially in the fixed phrase make overtures to someone. The singular overture is possible but less idiomatic. The archaic verb form 'to overture' (meaning to put forward a proposal) is extremely rare in modern English and should be avoided in everyday writing and speech.
常見錯誤
3. an event or natural development that happens first in a sequence and marks the b
an event or natural development that happens first in a sequence and marks the beginning of something larger or more significant that follows
The small protests in the capital proved to be the overture to a nationwide revolution.
pattern: [event] + be the overture to [larger event]
Yael viewed the departmental reshuffle as an overture to the company-wide restructuring three months later.
pattern: view [event] as an overture to [larger event]
The ceasefire agreement was the overture to a longer peace process between the two nations.
Adaeze saw the first light rain as the overture to the full monsoon season due in two weeks.
The preliminary talks served as an overture to the full-scale trade negotiations that followed.
- prelude
very similar in meaning; prelude emphasises the preparatory aspect more than the signalling aspect
- forerunner
something that comes before and indicates the approach of another event
- beginning
a more general term without the suggestion of importance or scale
- aftermath
the consequences that follow an event, opposite of what precedes it
- conclusion
the end point, opposite of a beginning or introduction
文法句型
serve as an overture to [event]
用法筆記
This sense differs from sense 2 (OFFER OR PROPOSAL) in that it focuses on a sequence of events rather than interpersonal communication. Here, the overture is an event that naturally precedes and prepares for a larger one, with no implication that anyone is making a tentative offer. Distinguish from sense 1: the musical sense always refers to an actual piece of music.