attune

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /əˈtjuːn/

KK: /əˈtun/

transitive verb

Definition

To make something or someone more aware of or responsive to something else, often by adjusting or adapting to create harmony or understanding.

Example

The teacher tried to attune her students to the importance of teamwork.

Tense Forms

Past: attuned

Past Participle: attuned

Conversation

I've been trying to attune my guitar for the perfect sound.

That's cool! What kind of music are you playing?

I'm mostly into acoustic stuff, so I need it to be just right.

I get that; a well-tuned guitar really makes a difference!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

tune

adapt

harmonize

Antonyms

dissonate

misalign

disrupt

Root Explanation

Attune is formed from "ad-" (meaning to) and "tun" (from Old English *tun*, meaning enclosure or settlement). The word means to bring into harmony or to adjust to a particular condition, as if adjusting to the environment of a settlement.

Memory Tip

Think of 'tuning' something to make it fit well — 'ad-' means to, and 'tun' relates to a place or condition. This helps you remember that attune means to adjust or harmonize.

Visually Confused Words

atune

battue

unattuned