What does mistune mean?
Mistune means to tune something incorrectly. The thing being tuned may be a musical instrument, such as a piano, guitar, or organ, or an electronic device, such as a radio or amplifier, whose frequency can be adjusted. The word emphasizes a specific mistake: the instrument or device may otherwise function normally, but it produces notes or sound at the wrong pitch. “The piano went out of tune” describes a change in the condition of the instrument, whereas “someone mistuned the piano” identifies the action that caused the problem. Mistune is more technical and evaluative than simply “tune,” suggesting that the result is wrong rather than merely imperfect. It is also useful figuratively for describing a system, mechanism, or process that has been adjusted to the wrong setting. Although uncommon, that broader metaphorical use follows the ordinary sense of setting something at an inappropriate level.
verbTo tune a musical instrument or other device incorrectly, causing it to produce the wrong pitch or operate at the wrong frequency.
- To tune a musical instrument or electronic device incorrectly.
"A damp keyboard had mistuned several of its notes."
"The technician mistuned the guitar by lowering the open strings a semitone."
"If the radio channel sounds distorted, it may have been mistuned during installation."
A mistuned piano can have every key in the right place and still be completely out of tune.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mistune come from?
The word was formed in the early 17th century from the prefix miss-, meaning to fail to hit or attain, and the noun tune. It was originally used for the act of tuning a musical instrument incorrectly. The formation also suggests a literal play on “miss a tune,” reflecting the word’s long association with music.
Related word forms
How mistune is actually used
Chiefly transitive and standard in British and US English. It is especially common in reference to pianos, guitars, organs, radios, and other devices whose pitch or frequency can be adjusted. The word often implies an error by a tuner, technician, or owner.