overture

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun orchestral music played at the beginning of an opera or oratorio
  2. noun something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows
  3. noun a tentative suggestion designed to elicit the reactions of others

Etymology

From Middle English overture, from Anglo-Norman, Middle French overture, from Old French overture, from Latin apertūra. Doublet of aperture.

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