off-key
off-key — adjective
1. describing a voice, note, or instrument that sounds slightly wrong because it is
describing a voice, note, or instrument that sounds slightly wrong because it is not in tune.
Dario's violin sounded off-key during the slow part of the school concert.
pattern: sound off-key
Mira sang the last line off-key and laughed with the choir.
Kwame stopped the rehearsal when one trumpet note came out off-key.
music context: note came out off-key
Lan noticed the piano was off-key after the movers bumped it.
- sound off-key
- go off-key
- off-key note
- off-key singing
- out of tune
the closest everyday alternative for music that does not match the right notes
- flat
more specific, because it usually means the pitch is too low
- sharp
more specific, because it usually means the pitch is too high
- in tune
matching the intended musical pitch
Grammar Patterns
be off-key
sound off-key
Usage Note
Usually describes singing, playing, or the sound itself. Distinguish from adverb/1, where off-key tells you how someone sings or plays.
2. slightly wrong or awkward for the occasion, so it does not fit the mood or situa
slightly wrong or awkward for the occasion, so it does not fit the mood or situation.
Bilal's joke felt off-key at the meeting about the factory fire.
used for a remark that clashes with the situation
Shanti's bright party hat looked off-key at the quiet memorial service.
Christopher's cheerful email seemed off-key after the team lost their jobs.
pattern: seem off-key
Adina thought the ad's funny tone was off-key for a hospital campaign.
- feel off-key
- seem off-key
- off-key joke
- off-key tone
- inappropriate
stronger and more direct about something not fitting the situation
- awkward
can suggest social discomfort, not just a poor match of tone
- out of place
focuses on something not fitting its setting or moment
- appropriate
suitable for the situation or mood
- fitting
matching what the occasion calls for
Grammar Patterns
be off-key
seem off-key
Usage Note
Often describes a joke, comment, style, or tone that clashes with what people are feeling. Distinguish from adjective/1, which is only about musical pitch.
off-key — adverb
1. in a way that misses the right notes, so the music sounds a little out of tune.
in a way that misses the right notes, so the music sounds a little out of tune.
Gabriel sang off-key during karaoke, but the crowd still clapped along.
pattern: sing off-key
Samir played off-key after one guitar string slipped loose backstage.
pattern: play off-key
Élise hummed off-key while packing dishes into boxes after dinner.
Andrés laughed as the children banged off-key on the old keyboard.
- sing off-key
- play off-key
- hum off-key
- out of tune
common alternative, especially after verbs like sing or play
- in tune
with the right musical pitch
Grammar Patterns
sing off-key
play off-key
Usage Note
Use the adverb when it modifies the action of singing or playing. Distinguish from adjective/1, which describes the voice, note, or instrument itself.
Etymology
First known use
1901
1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1