Attuned
/əˈtjuːnd/
adjectiveB2past participle (used as adjective)
Definition
Attuned describes a state where someone or something is closely connected and sensitive to certain things. It means understanding or noticing small details, feelings, or changes, often to respond in the right way. People can be attuned to others’ emotions, sounds, or the environment.
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See It in Action
Being sensitive and responsive to something
- •She was attuned to the needs of her students and helped them succeed.
- •The therapist is attuned to her patient’s feelings during the session.
- •Birds are attuned to changes in the weather and fly away before storms.
Being in harmony or agreement with something
- •The team was attuned to each other’s working styles, making collaboration easy.
- •His mind was attuned to creative ideas, always thinking of new solutions.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "attuned" like "aware," but much deeper—like you don’t just see something, you feel and understand it clearly
- ✓Picture a musician tuning their instrument carefully until every note sounds perfect and matches the others
- ✓It’s the feeling when you know a friend’s mood without them saying a word because you pay close attention
- ✓Sounds like "a-TUNE-d" → imagine tuning a radio or guitar until it sounds just right, perfectly matched
- ✓In stories, characters who are attuned often understand nature or people better than others, like a wise elder or a sensitive child
- ✓NOT like "ignore" (not noticing), attuned means you are very focused and connected
- ✓NOT like "confused" or "distracted," attuned means clear and connected attention
- ✓NOT like "loud" or "strong," attuned is about subtle understanding, not force or volume
Try Other Words
- •Sensitive: able to notice small changes or feelings (Use when focusing on emotional or physical reactions)
- •In tune with: in harmony or agreement (Use when describing harmony between people, ideas, or things)
- •Responsive: reacting quickly and correctly to something (Use when emphasizing action after noticing)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "at-" (toward) + root "tune" + suffix "-ed" (past participle form)
- •Etymology: From the verb "attune," which means to bring into harmony or adjust, from "tune" meaning musical note or pitch
- •Historical development: Originally about adjusting musical instruments to the correct pitch, later used metaphorically for adjusting to people or situations
- •Modern usage: Used to describe emotional, mental, or physical harmony and understanding beyond music, often about feelings or awareness
Reflect & Connect
•How can being attuned to others improve your communication and relationships?
•In what situations is it important to be attuned to small details or changes around you?
Fill in the blanks
1.She was attuned to her baby’s ___ and knew when it was hungry or tired.
2.Being attuned to your environment helps you notice ___ changes before they become problems.
3.Unlike being just aware, being attuned means you also ___ and respond to what you notice.
4.The manager was attuned ___ the team’s mood and adjusted the project plan accordingly.
5.When musicians are attuned, their instruments sound ___ together.
6.People who are attuned often understand feelings without ___ words.
7.To be attuned to someone’s needs, you must listen carefully and show ___ understanding.