mistuned
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /mɪsˈtjuːnd/
KK: /mɪsˈtjun/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that is not adjusted properly, especially in terms of sound or musical pitch.
Example
The piano sounded off because it was mistuned.
Conversation
I tried playing my guitar yesterday, but it sounded strange.
Maybe it’s mistuned — have you checked the strings?
Yeah, I think they might be off; I'll tune it again.
Good idea! A properly tuned guitar makes all the difference.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
off-key
discordant
dissonant
Antonyms
harmonious
tuned
melodic
verb
Definition
To have adjusted a musical instrument incorrectly, causing it to sound out of tune.
Example
The piano was mistuned, making it difficult to play the right notes.
Tense Forms
Past: mistuned
Past Participle: mistuned
Conversation
Did you hear my guitar yesterday?
Yeah, it sounded a bit off.
I think I mistuned it before the jam session.
Root Explanation
Mistuned → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrongly or badly) and "tuned" (from the Old English "tunian", meaning to adjust or arrange). The word "mistuned" means adjusted or arranged wrongly or badly.
Memory Tip
Think of 'mis-' meaning wrongly, and 'tuned' as adjusting something — so mistuned refers to something that is adjusted incorrectly.
Visually Confused Words
misfortuned
stunted
distune