tune out — to stop listening or paying attention to something
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to stop listening or paying attention to something
Pronunciation (IPA): /tuːn aʊt/
Example Sentences
- My mom was lecturing me about cleaning my room, but I just tuned out after the first sentence.
- Students often tune out when teachers explain grammar rules.
- I learned to tune out my neighbor's loud music by wearing headphones.
tune out
NOUN[/tuːn aʊt/]
to stop listening or paying attention to something
to stop listening or paying attention to something
Under the moon with a silver spoon, she tunes out soon!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'tune' derives from Old French 'tone', which comes from Latin 'tonus' meaning a musical sound or pitch. Originally referring to musical pitch and instrument tuning, the term expanded with the invention of radio technology to mean adjusting frequency. 'Tune out' emerged as a metaphorical extension, comparing the act of ignoring or dismissing something to turning away a radio dial or switching off a frequency.
Breakdown
tune (to adjust pitch or frequency) + out (away, to the exclusion of). The phrase uses 'out' as a particle intensifier, creating the sense of actively disregarding or blocking out attention from a stimulus, much like tuning away from a radio station.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom was lecturing me about cleaning my room, but I just tuned out after the first sentence.”
“Students often tune out when teachers explain grammar rules.”
“I learned to tune out my neighbor's loud music by wearing headphones.”
“He tuned out so completely during the meeting that he didn't even notice when everyone left.”
📚Related Words
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