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Attune Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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attune

[əˈtjuːn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

adjust oneself

To attune means to bring into harmony or accord. It involves adjusting oneself to a particular situation, environment, or condition. This term is often used in contexts such as music, where instruments are fine-tuned to achieve the correct pitch. Additionally, attuning can refer to the process of becoming receptive or responsive to someone else's needs or feelings. It suggests an active effort to enhance understanding or connection.

Synonyms

adapt, adjust, align, harmonize, tune.

Examples of usage

  • She took time to attune herself to the new workplace culture.
  • The musicians worked hard to attune their instruments before the performance.
  • It's important to attune to the emotions of your clients for better communication.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Being attuned to someone means understanding their feelings and reactions, which is key to strong relationships.
  • In therapy, attunement helps therapists connect with clients, promoting trust and effective communication.
  • Research shows that people who are attuned to each other experience more empathy and collaboration.

Music

  • Musicians often attune their instruments to ensure harmony before performing, as mismatched tones can ruin a concert.
  • The process of attuning is vital in soulful music genres, where emotional connection can amplify the impact of the performance.
  • In orchestras, conductors help musicians attune to the same rhythm and pitch, creating a unified sound.

Cultural Practices

  • Various cultures use rituals to attune individuals to community values and beliefs, fostering unity.
  • In mindfulness practices, being attuned to one's breath or body can enhance awareness and relaxation.
  • Many spiritual traditions emphasize attunement with nature, advocating for a deeper connection with the environment.

Technology

  • In tech, attunement can refer to bringing devices to work seamlessly together, enhancing user experience.
  • Smart home systems can be attuned to preferences, automatically adjusting settings to match user habits.
  • Adaptive technologies often attune themselves to the needs of individuals, improving accessibility and support.

Origin of 'attune'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'attunare', which means 'to tune' or 'to harmonize'.
  • It was first used in English around the early 17th century, originally related to musical tuning.
  • The prefix 'at-' can suggest a focus or direction towards, hinting at adjustment or alignment.

The word 'attune' originates from the late Middle English period, derived from the prefix 'at-' meaning 'to' and the verb 'tune', which has roots in Old French 'toner' and Latin 'tonus', meaning 'tone'. The evolution of 'attune' reflects the transition from merely tuning an instrument to also including the metaphorical aspect of tuning oneself to the needs or state of another. This concept has been central in various cultures, where harmony and understanding play crucial roles in interpersonal relationships. By the early 17th century, attune was widely used in both musical and emotional contexts, emphasizing the balance and synchronization necessary in both forms of expression. Over time, it has developed to encapsulate broader meanings related to adaptation and adjustment in various scenarios.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,931 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.