out-of-tune(ly)
|out/of/tune|
🇺🇸
/aʊt əv ˈtuːn/
🇬🇧
/aʊt əv ˈtjuːn/
(out of tune)
not matching pitch / not in harmony
Etymology
'out of tune' is built from 'out' + 'of' (Old English elements meaning 'away' and 'from') and 'tune' from Old French 'ton' and Latin 'tonus' meaning 'sound' or 'tone'.
'tune' changed from Latin 'tonus' to Old French 'ton' and Middle English 'tune' (meaning 'tone' or 'melody'), while 'out' and 'of' come from Old English 'ūt' and 'of'; the phrase 'out of tune' developed in English to mean literally 'not in the correct tone' and later gained figurative senses.
Initially it referred simply to pitch or 'tone' (sound). Over time 'out of tune' retained the literal musical sense ('not at the correct pitch') and also developed a figurative sense meaning 'not in agreement' or 'not in harmony' with something.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not producing the correct musical pitch; producing wrong notes.
The piano was out of tune.
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Adjective 2
not in agreement or harmony with something (figurative use).
His views are out of tune with the rest of the committee.
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Adverb 1
in a manner that is not in correct musical pitch; producing wrong notes.
She sang out of tune during the chorus.
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Last updated: 2025/10/30 14:59