Definition

In a way that is not in tune or harmony, often referring to music or singing that sounds wrong or unpleasant.

Example

The singer performed offkey, making the audience cringe.

Conversation

Did you hear Sarah sing at the party last night?

Yeah, but she sounded a bit offkey at times.

I know, right? It was still fun to watch her perform.

Definitely! It takes courage to get up there, offkey or not.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Offkey → It is formed from "off" (from Old English "of", meaning away from or not) and "key" (from Old English "cāg", meaning a musical key or tone). The word "offkey" describes a sound that is not in the correct musical key or tone, hence out of tune.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'away from' the correct musical 'key' — that's why offkey means not in tune.

Visually Confused Words