overture
n.a piece of music played at the start of an opera or play. It can also mean a friendly move or suggestion made to start a conversation or a deal.
n.an orchestral piece at the beginning of an opera, suite, or other extended composition; also refers to an introductory act or proposal made toward establishing a relationship or agreement.
“The orchestra played a famous overture before the opera began.”
“The company made a formal overture to its competitor regarding a potential merger next year.”
“While the musical overture established the production's somber themes, the diplomatic overtures occurring backstage were far more optimistic in tone.”
Often used with the preposition 'to' when referring to a social or business proposal.
“Donald Trump has said that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has responded to his overtures after he ordered the US to scale back military exercises with South Korea .”
“Hollowing out these joint exercises is shortsighted and a mistake.” In the Oval Office on Monday, Trump claimed Kim had responded to his overtures, but did not provide details.”
From Middle English overture, from Anglo-Norman, Middle French overture, from Old French overture. Doublet of aperture.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.