verb
-
to adjust or accustom (a person or thing); acclimatize
-
to tune (a musical instrument)
Other Word Forms
- preattune verb (used with object)
Etymology
Origin of attune
Explanation
When you attune to something, you adjust to it and become aware of the way it works. A new parent has to attune to a baby's schedule and personality. Preschool teachers need to attune to their students' various needs and interests, and when you visit a foreign country it's important to attune to the unfamiliar culture, so that you're both comfortable and respectful. The verb attune is almost always followed by "to," and it often shows up in the form of "be attuned to." Attune comes from tune, "bring into a state of proper pitch."
Vocabulary lists containing attune
The Most Beautiful Roof in the World
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Pet
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Pax
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A new crop of artists has been able to reach the heights of Martin’s success without the need to attune its Latino identity to appease a white majority.
From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2024
But if you attune yourself to the rhythms of his sentences, you’ll find that something divine and delicate will emerge.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 11, 2023
The more the community is represented in meetings, and in discussions in general, Barlet feels, the more attune the whole group is to its needs.
From The Verge • Jul. 15, 2022
I am learning to attune my senses to subtleties.
From Salon • Oct. 23, 2021
Then when the singer’s thoughts have drifted into some dark miasma, the sensitive instrument cannot attune itself in those dreamy poisonous vapours, and the delicate string loses its perfect harmony.
From An I.D.B. in South Africa by Vescelius-Sheldon, Louise
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
