How to pronounce overture
Say it like OH-ver-cher. Overture has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce overture. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OH
- ver
- cher
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Overture pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- OHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- verKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- cherKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of overture
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: OH-vuh-tyoor.
What does overture mean?
- An approach or proposal made to initiate communication, establish a relationship etc.“overture of friendship”
- A motion placed before a legislative body, such as the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
- A musical introduction to a longer piece of music or a dramatic work (such as a play, an opera, or a motion picture).
- To make overtures; to approach with a proposal.
Where does overture come from?
From Middle English overture, from Anglo-Norman, Middle French overture, from Old French overture, from Latin apertūra.
Questions about saying overture
How do you pronounce overture?
Say OH-ver-cher. The American pronunciation is /ˈoʊvɚtʃɚ/. In British English it is /ˈəʊvətjʊə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in overture?
Overture has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OH). Broken into parts: OH · ver · cher.
Is overture pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈəʊvətjʊə/ (OH-vuh-tyoor).