attune

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'attune' is correct in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of making an adjustment or adjustment to something, in order to make it appropriate or harmonious. For example: "Harriet attuned her vocal range to the music she was singing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Last month, asked about the government's relationship with the IMF, he said:We cannot attune [economic policy] to the IMF as they deeply object to all Hungarian decisions that are aimed at freeing the people from the shackles of the banks.

The Economist

It is not enough, he says, simply to attune the firm's beverages to local tastes: if Starbucks is to win over Asian consumers, it will have to provide top-notch service.

The Economist

Human beings, whose society and culture are marked by artifice and constraint, can hope only to attune themselves to its mysterious transformations but receive no special favour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Instead, humans should attune themselves to the constant transformations of the Way.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although some critics deemed his films mere exercises in nihilism, Haneke considered them attempts to attune viewers to the ways in which the structures of modern bourgeois society inhibit moral empathy and interpersonal communication.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Our eyes attune and we're watching a whole herd, their purple tongues curling around the choicest browsing, their silent, slow dance through the trees a rhythmic image that seems familiar despite the new intensity of seeing it in the flesh.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

They will need to stop talking as if coalitions and Scottish separatism are accidents, or illegitimate, and re-attune to their permanence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Women seem particularly attuned to seeking out not partners but rehabilitation projects, though there are plenty of men who reprise the pillar of strength routine when they could do with support themselves.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Memories are still fresh of the all-out war that erupted in Sinaloa in 2008 following a violent split between Chapo and his one-time allies in the Beltrán Leyva family, leaving many in the area particularly attuned to signs of internal tension in the cartel.

The Guardian

"As you get older, you become far more attuned to just how much gender inequality is around.

The Guardian - Film

You can see how well Alexander's political instincts were attuned to the times: he was beaten in his own constituency by a 20-year-old student, on a 27% swing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attune" when you want to convey the idea of making something more receptive or responsive to something else. For instance, "attune your marketing strategy to the changing market trends."

Common error

Avoid using "attune" simply as a synonym for "tune" in contexts related to musical instruments. While "attune" can mean to bring into musical accord, it often carries a broader sense of adjustment or alignment, which might not be appropriate in all musical contexts.

Linguistic Context

The verb "attune" primarily functions to describe the act of bringing something into harmony or a state of resonance with something else. Ludwig AI, as shown in the examples, confirms its usage in contexts requiring adaptation or alignment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attune" is a versatile verb used to describe the process of bringing something into harmony or alignment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific literature. While generally neutral, its formality can shift based on context. When using "attune", remember it often implies a nuanced adjustment rather than a simple change. As demonstrated by the examples, using "attune" effectively conveys a sense of adapting to achieve a desired state of resonance or compatibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Bring into harmony

Focuses on achieving agreement or concord.

Harmonize

Stresses creating a pleasing or congruent effect.

Adjust

Emphasizes making minor changes for improvement.

Adapt

Highlights modifying to suit new conditions or a specific purpose.

Fine-tune

Suggests making delicate adjustments for optimal performance.

Calibrate

Implies precise adjustment for accuracy or standardization.

Synchronize

Emphasizes aligning timing or movement.

Modulate

Highlights adjusting or varying the intensity or tone.

Reconcile

Focuses on resolving differences or inconsistencies.

Coordinate

Stresses organizing elements for efficient collaboration.

FAQs

How can I use "attune" in a sentence?

You can use "attune" to describe adjusting something to be in harmony or alignment with something else. For example, "The company needs to "attune" its strategies to the current market conditions."

What are some alternatives to using "attune"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "adjust", "adapt", "harmonize", or "calibrate".

Is it correct to say "attune to" or "attune with"?

"Attune" is typically followed by "to". For instance, "attune to the needs of the customers" is correct, while "attune with" is less common and might sound awkward.

What is the difference between "attune" and "adjust"?

"Adjust" generally means to change something slightly to correct or improve it. "Attune", however, implies a more specific process of bringing something into harmony or resonance with something else, often requiring a deeper understanding or sensitivity. You might "adjust" the volume on a radio, but you "attune" yourself to a new environment.