off-key
Definition
Adjective 1. Inaccurate in pitch; not in tune: Describes a musical sound, note, or performance that is not at the correct pitch, often sounding unpleasant or discordant. 2. Inappropriate or incongruous: Used figuratively to describe something that is out of harmony with its surroundings or context; a remark, action, or element that seems wrong or unsuitable.
Usage
The adjective off-key is used to describe sounds, especially in music, that are not in tune. It is often used predicatively (after a linking verb like sound, seem, be). It can also be used attributively (before a noun). In its figurative sense, it describes things that are out of place.
Examples
- Adjective (Literal - Music):
- The choir sounded off-key during the rehearsal.
- He hit an off-key note that made everyone wince.
- "Her singing was off-key," the critic wrote.
- Adjective (Figurative - Incongruous):
- His joke about the serious topic felt off-key and awkward.
- The bright pink furniture was an off-key element in the otherwise minimalist room.
- There was an off-key tone of sarcasm in her otherwise polite email.
Advanced Usage
- "to sound/strike an off-key note": This phrase is used both literally for music and figuratively to introduce an element of discord or inappropriateness into a situation.
- The ambassador's casual remark struck an off-key note during the formal negotiations.
Variants and Related Words
- Off-key (adverb): Less common, but can be used to describe how something is sung or played.
- She sang off-key.
- Out of tune: A common synonym for the musical meaning.
- Discordant: Describes a harsh, clashing sound; also used figuratively for lack of agreement.
- Atonal: A technical musical term for music that lacks a tonal center, not simply out-of-tune singing.
Synonyms
- Flat (specifically for a note below the correct pitch)
- Sharp (specifically for a note above the correct pitch)
- Sour (informal, for musical pitch)
- False (archaic or literary, for musical pitch)
- Incongruous, Inappropriate, Jarring (for the figurative sense)
Related Idioms
- To be out of sync (with) / Out of step (with): While not specifically about pitch, these idioms share the figurative meaning of being not in harmony or agreement with something else.
- His management style was out of sync with the company's collaborative culture.
Adjective
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inaccurate in pitch
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a false (or sour) note
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her singing was off key
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