verb
-
to adjust or accustom (a person or thing); acclimatize
-
to tune (a musical instrument)
Other Word Forms
- preattune verb (used with object)
Etymology
Origin of attune
Explanation
When you attune to something, you adjust to it and become aware of the way it works. A new parent has to attune to a baby's schedule and personality. Preschool teachers need to attune to their students' various needs and interests, and when you visit a foreign country it's important to attune to the unfamiliar culture, so that you're both comfortable and respectful. The verb attune is almost always followed by "to," and it often shows up in the form of "be attuned to." Attune comes from tune, "bring into a state of proper pitch."
Vocabulary lists containing attune
The Most Beautiful Roof in the World
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But if you attune yourself to the rhythms of his sentences, you’ll find that something divine and delicate will emerge.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 11, 2023
The more the community is represented in meetings, and in discussions in general, Barlet feels, the more attune the whole group is to its needs.
From The Verge • Jul. 15, 2022
I am learning to attune my senses to subtleties.
From Salon • Oct. 23, 2021
The audience sat in bleachers for the opening spectacle of immigrant Arrivals coming to Sweet Land, greeted and fed by native Hosts attempting to attune the newcomers to the spiritual needs of nature.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2020
The chapel chimes suddenly pealed out their morning anthems, and its music tinkled sweetly across the senses of the girl whose soul was throbbing in perfect attune.
From The Red Debt Echoes from Kentucky by MacDonald, Everett
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
