'attune' originates from early Modern English (early 17th century), formed from the prefix 'a-' (from Old English 'on' or 'to') combined with 'tune', ultimately from Old French/Latin roots meaning 'tone' or 'sound'.

'attune' developed in English by attaching the prefix 'a-' to the verb related to 'tune' (Middle English forms such as 'tunen'/'tounen' from Old French/Old English roots), eventually becoming the modern English 'attune' and giving the gerund 'attuning'.

Initially it meant 'to tune (musically) or adjust pitch'; over time it broadened to mean 'bring into harmony, adapt, or make receptive' in both literal and figurative senses.