in-tune

IPA/ɪntjˈuːn/
IPA/ɪntˈuːn/

in-tune — idiom

1. used to describe a singer or instrumentalist whose notes match the required musi

1.idiomB1
Definition

used to describe a singer or instrumentalist whose notes match the required musical pitch, either when playing alone or with other performers.

Example

During choir practice, Wren sang every note perfectly in tune.

collocation: sing in tune

Nora turned the tuning pegs slowly because her guitar was not in tune.

is / is not in tune

Common collocations
  • sing in tune
  • play in tune
  • perfectly in tune
  • not in tune
  • sound in tune
  • stay in tune
Synonyms
  • on pitch

    less common as a phrase; usually describes individual notes rather than sustained performance

  • in harmony

    more specific — implies multiple notes or voices sound good together

Antonyms
  • out of tune

    direct opposite; describes notes that are sharp or flat relative to the correct pitch

Usage Note

Often used with negative markers (not, never) when a musical performance is off pitch.

Common Mistakes

She played in the tune.
She played in tune.
'in tune' is a fixed phrase with no article.
The piano is on tune.
The piano is in tune.
use 'in', not 'on'.

2. used when two or more people share similar opinions, feelings, or ways of thinki

2.idiomB2
Definition

used when two or more people share similar opinions, feelings, or ways of thinking, allowing them to communicate or work together smoothly.

Example

The two managers were in tune about the new project from their very first meeting.

be in tune about [topic]

Indra felt that the committee was completely in tune with the local community's needs.

be in tune with [person/group]

Common collocations
  • in tune with
  • in tune about
  • completely in tune
  • not in tune
  • perfectly in tune
Synonyms
  • on the same wavelength

    informal; emphasises intuitive understanding rather than explicit agreement

  • in sync

    informal; suggests coordinated action as well as shared thinking

  • in harmony

    more formal; implies a peaceful, cooperative relationship

Antonyms
  • out of tune

    direct opposite; describes people whose views or feelings clash

  • at odds

    stronger; suggests active disagreement or conflict

Usage Note

Followed by 'with' when naming the person or group someone agrees with; 'about' when naming the topic of agreement.

Common Mistakes

We are in tune each other.
We are in tune with each other.
the preposition 'with' is required.
He is in tune to the boss.
He is in tune with the boss.
use 'with', not 'to'.

3. used when an object, design, or idea fits well with another in terms of style, c

3.idiomB2
Definition

used when an object, design, or idea fits well with another in terms of style, character, or purpose.

Example

The soft colours of the painting are in tune with the room's calm atmosphere.

be in tune with [sth] (fit/style)

Padma chose a font that was in tune with the modern feel of the website.

Common collocations
  • in tune with
  • perfectly in tune with
  • in tune with the style/atmosphere/mood
  • in tune with the needs/requirements/standards
Synonyms
  • in keeping

    slightly formal; used especially for style, tradition, or decor

  • consistent

    broader in scope; works for logic, behaviour, and data as well as style

  • compatible

    suggests things that can work together without conflict

Antonyms
  • out of tune

    direct opposite; describes things that clash or do not suit each other

  • at odds

    stronger clash; suggests fundamental incompatibility

Usage Note

Subject can be an abstract noun (design, policy, style) or concrete (colours, furniture, font). Always followed by 'with' + the thing it matches.

Common Mistakes

The curtains are in tune to the carpet.
The curtains are in tune with the carpet.
use 'with', not 'to'.
This policy is in tune of modern needs.
This policy is in tune with modern needs.
use 'with', not 'of'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: idiom/2

'In tune' (this sense) describes a general alignment of opinions or feelings between people, often arising naturally from shared experience. 'On the same wavelength' is more informal and suggests an intuitive, almost telepathic understanding — two friends who know what the other is thinking without speaking. 'In sync' is also informal and emphasises coordinated timing or action as much as shared thinking; dancers or sports teammates are 'in sync' when they move together perfectly. 'In harmony' carries a warmer, more formal tone, often used for relationships that are peaceful and mutually supportive — a couple whose values and goals align are 'in harmony'. For example: 'The marketing team was in tune with the product developers, so the campaign was a success.' 'Lina and her hiking partner were so in sync that they adjusted pace without a word.'

in tune ↗on the same wavelength ↗in sync ↗in harmony ↗

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

The phrase 'in tune' comes from the musical sense of 'tune' (a melody or correct pitch), which entered English from Old French 'ton' (tone) and Latin 'tonus'. From the 1400s, 'tune' referred to a musical sound or pitch, and by the 1700s 'in tune' described an instrument or voice producing the correct notes. The figurative meanings — people being in agreement or things matching — developed as metaphors in the 1800s and 1900s, extending the idea of musical harmony to human relationships and compatibility.