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Meaning & use

stay attuned

phrase·Advanced

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UK/ˌsteɪ əˈtjuːnd/
US/ˌsteɪ əˈtuːnd/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    Keep paying careful attention to something so you notice changes in it.

    Grammar: Used after a subject; the pattern is 'stay attuned to something'. Contrast 'become attuned to', which describes the moment you start noticing.

    Patterns

    • stay attuned to something
    • stay attuned to what someone needs
    • stay attuned to changes in something

    Good managers stay attuned to the mood of their team.

    If you stay attuned to your body, you notice when you need rest.

    Teachers must stay attuned to what students already understand.

  2. phrasefixed phrase

    Keep a good understanding of a subject or situation as it develops.

    Grammar: Often used about markets, politics or technology, where conditions change quickly.

    Patterns

    • stay attuned to the market
    • stay attuned to new developments

    Investors try to stay attuned to shifts in the housing market.

    Reading widely helps you stay attuned to new ideas in your field.

Common combinations

stay attuned to someone's needs
A good nurse stays attuned to each patient's needs.
stay attuned to the latest trends
The magazine helps readers stay attuned to the latest trends.
stay finely attuned to something
Her ear is finely attuned to small changes in tone.
stay attuned to what is happening
We stayed attuned to what was happening in the region.
remain attuned to something
Doctors must remain attuned to signs of infection.

Synonyms and how they differ

be alert to
This stresses actively watching for danger or problems, while 'stay attuned' stresses steady sensitivity to small changes.
keep in touch with
More informal and usually about contact with people or news rather than careful noticing.
be sensitive to
Close in meaning, but it often describes a natural quality rather than an ongoing effort.

Opposites

ignorebe oblivious to

Word family

attuned adjective
Able to notice or understand something well, often followed by 'to'.
attunement noun
The state of being in harmony with or sensitive to something.
tune in phrasal verb
To start paying attention to something, such as a broadcast or a discussion.

Commonly confused: stay attuned or in tune? stay attuned or attached?

stay attuned vs in tune

'In tune' can mean singing at the correct pitch or, informally, getting along well with someone; 'attuned to' is about noticing and understanding.

stay attuned vs attached

'Attached to' means connected or fond of, not sensitive to changes.

Practice

The best reporters stay attuned ____ what ordinary people are worried about.

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