English Reference
verb · adjective

tuned

v. · adj.
US /ˈtund/ UK /tjˈuːnd/ tuned

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Music

    v.adjusted a musical instrument so that it plays the correct notes.

    v.adjusted the pitch of a musical instrument to a standard or to other instruments.

    Simple

    He tuned his guitar for ten minutes before the concert started.

    In context

    The first violinist tuned her instrument to the oboe's pitch before the rest of the orchestra followed suit.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'to'.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Music

    adj.having the correct pitch or sound.

    adj.adjusted to the correct musical pitch or resonance.

    Simple

    The piano sounded perfectly tuned after the professional finished his work.

    In context

    A finely tuned instrument is essential for any professional recording session to ensure harmonic consistency across tracks.

    out of tune
  3. 03 B1 Intermediate Informal

    adj.paying attention to a specific radio station, TV channel, or topic.

    adj.maintaining a connection to a broadcast frequency or remaining attentive to a particular subject.

    Simple

    Stay tuned for the weather report right after these messages.

    In context

    The audience remained tuned to the live feed, anxious for any updates regarding the developing situation at the border.

    Usage

    Almost always appears in the phrase 'stay tuned'.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical

    adj.adjusted very carefully to work as well as possible.

    adj.precisely adjusted or calibrated to achieve maximum efficiency or performance.

    Simple

    The athlete's body was a finely tuned machine after months of training.

    In context

    The engine was so finely tuned that it produced significantly more power while consuming less fuel than the standard model.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated