Tune Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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tune
[tjuːn ]
Definitions
music
A melody or sequence of notes that is musically pleasing and harmonious.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- She hummed a catchy tune all day long.
- The musician played a beautiful tune on his guitar.
adjustment
To adjust or fine-tune a musical instrument or radio to the correct pitch or frequency.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tune |
Commonly used in informal conversation to mean making small adjustments to something for better performance or accuracy.
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| adjust |
Use in a general sense to make minor changes to improve accuracy or function.
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| fine-tune |
Use when making precise adjustments for optimal performance, often in a technical or artistic context.
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| calibrate |
Commonly used in a technical or scientific context to set or correct measuring instruments.
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Examples of usage
- He spent hours tuning his guitar before the concert.
- She carefully tuned the radio to find the right station.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'tune'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'tune' originated from the Old English word 'tunian', meaning 'to sound a musical note'. Over time, it evolved to refer to both musical melodies and the process of adjusting musical instruments. The concept of tuning has been essential in music for centuries, allowing musicians to create harmonious sounds by adjusting the pitch of their instruments.
See also: tuneful, tunefully, tuner, tunes, tuning, tunings.