Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Tune: meaning, definitions and examples

🎵
Add to dictionary

tune

 

[tjuːn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

A melody or sequence of notes that is musically pleasing and harmonious.

Synonyms

harmony, melody, song.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
tune

Refers to a series of musical notes that are played or sung in a particular order to create music. Typically used when speaking about a piece of music without words or a specific pleasing set of notes.

  • She hummed a cheerful tune as she walked down the street
  • The guitarist was strumming a familiar tune
melody

A sequence of musical notes that are perceived as a single entity, often the most memorable part of a piece of music. Usually associated with the main theme in music pieces.

  • The melody of the song is very catchy
  • She played the melody on the piano
song

A piece of music that has lyrics and is meant to be sung. Commonly used when talking about complete musical compositions including verses, choruses, and bridges.

  • I love that new song on the radio
  • She wrote a song for her best friend
harmony

The combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously to produce a pleasing sound. Often used in the context of music composition and choral singing.

  • The choir's harmony was perfect during the performance
  • Guitar and piano together create beautiful harmony

Examples of usage

  • She hummed a catchy tune all day long.
  • The musician played a beautiful tune on his guitar.
Context #2 | Verb

adjustment

To adjust or fine-tune a musical instrument or radio to the correct pitch or frequency.

Synonyms

adjust, calibrate, fine-tune.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
tune

Commonly used in informal conversation to mean making small adjustments to something for better performance or accuracy.

  • I need to tune my bike's brakes
  • She tunes her exercise routine regularly
adjust

Use in a general sense to make minor changes to improve accuracy or function.

  • You need to adjust the seat height for better comfort
  • He adjusted the brightness on his computer screen
fine-tune

Use when making precise adjustments for optimal performance, often in a technical or artistic context.

  • The engineer spent hours fine-tuning the machine
  • She fine-tuned the presentation to address all key points
calibrate

Commonly used in a technical or scientific context to set or correct measuring instruments.

  • The lab technician needs to calibrate the equipment
  • It's essential to calibrate the scale before use

Examples of usage

  • He spent hours tuning his guitar before the concert.
  • She carefully tuned the radio to find the right station.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'tune' comes from the Old French 'ton', meaning sound or tone.
  • In Middle English, 'tune' referred to the arrangement of musical notes.
  • The Latin root 'tonare,' meaning to thunder, reflects the strong emotions that music can evoke.

Cultural Significance

  • Throughout history, different cultures have used tunes in rituals, ceremonies, and storytelling to connect communities.
  • Lullabies are specific tunes sung to soothe babies to sleep, becoming a universal tradition across cultures.
  • In many cultures, tunes are an essential part of dance traditions, with specific melodies associated with various dances.

Psychology

  • Research shows that listening to pleasant tunes can boost mood and reduce anxiety, acting as a natural stress reliever.
  • Certain tunes can trigger memories more effectively than images or words, linking music to powerful emotional experiences.
  • The 'Mozart Effect' suggests listening to classical tunes may enhance cognitive functions, such as problem-solving and memory.

Technology

  • The invention of computers led to the development of digital tunes in the form of MIDI files, allowing for easier composition and sharing.
  • Streaming services have transformed how we access and share tunes, allowing users to create customized playlists easily.
  • Ringtones, a modern invention, personalize phones with unique tunes that reflect individual preferences.

Pop Culture

  • Catchy tunes have the power to define eras, with iconic songs becoming anthems for various social movements.
  • Musicals and movies often rely heavily on memorable tunes to enhance storytelling and emotional depth.
  • Reality talent shows have popularized the term 'tune,' focusing on contesting singers' ability to deliver catchy melodies that connect with audiences.

Translations

Translations of the word "tune" in other languages:

🇵🇹 melodia

🇮🇳 धुन

🇩🇪 Melodie

🇮🇩 melodi

🇺🇦 мелодія

🇵🇱 melodia

🇯🇵 メロディー

🇫🇷 mélodie

🇪🇸 melodía

🇹🇷 melodi

🇰🇷 멜로디

🇸🇦 لحن

🇨🇿 melodie

🇸🇰 melódia

🇨🇳 旋律

🇸🇮 melodija

🇮🇸 lag

🇰🇿 әуен

🇬🇪 მელოდია

🇦🇿 melodiya

🇲🇽 melodía

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,377 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.