Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To adjust the pitch or intonation of a musical instrument so that it produces the correct notes.
   • To make small adjustments to a machine or engine so that it operates at optimal performance.

Usage and Examples

• Verb (adjusting a musical instrument):

  • The violinist will tune up her violin before the concert.
  • It's important to tune up the piano regularly to maintain its sound quality.

• Verb (adjusting a machine or engine):

  • I need to tune up my car's engine before the long road trip.
  • The technician came to tune up the heating system for the winter.

Advanced Usage

• "to tune up" (intransitive, for a group of musicians): Refers to the act of musicians adjusting their instruments together before a performance.
  • The orchestra began to tune up, creating a cacophony of sound before the conductor arrived.

Variants and Related Words

• Tune (verb): The base verb meaning to adjust the pitch of a musical instrument or to adjust a receiver to a specific frequency.

  • Please tune the guitar to standard E.
  • He tuned the radio to his favorite station.

• Tuning (noun): The process or result of making such adjustments.

  • The tuning of the engine improved its fuel efficiency.

• Tune-up (noun): A session or instance of tuning something, especially a vehicle's engine.

  • My car is due for its 50,000-mile tune-up.

Synonyms

• Adjust: To change or move something slightly to improve its position, performance, or accuracy.
• Calibrate: To mark or adjust a measuring instrument so that it can be used accurately.
• Fine-tune: To make very small, precise adjustments for optimal performance.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Tune in: To adjust a radio or television to receive a particular broadcast.

  • Don't forget to tune in to the news at 9 PM.

• Tune out: To stop listening or paying attention.

  • He tends to tune out during long meetings.

Related Idioms

• In tune: Functioning harmoniously or in agreement; (of an instrument) having the correct pitch.

  • The team was perfectly in tune and won the championship.
  • The piano is finally in tune.

• Out of tune: Not functioning harmoniously; (of an instrument) not having the correct pitch.

  • His views are out of tune with the company's values.
  • The guitar sounds terrible because it's out of tune.

Verb

1. adjust the pitches of (musical instruments)
   • My piano needs to be tuned
2. adjust for (better) functioning
   • tune the engine