off-key
[ awf-kee, of- ]
/ ˈɔfˈki, ˈɒf- /
Save This Word!
adjective
deviating from the correct tone or pitch; out of tune.
Informal. somewhat irregular, abnormal, or incongruous.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Origin of off-key
First recorded in 1925–30
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use off-key in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for off-key
off key
adjective, adverb (off-key when prenominal)
music
- not in the correct key
- out of tune
out of keeping; discordant
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012