off-key
|off-key|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˌɔfˈki/
🇬🇧
/ˌɒfˈki/
out of tune
Etymology
Etymology Information
'off-key' originates from the combination of 'off' meaning 'away from' and 'key' referring to the musical scale or pitch.
Historical Evolution
'Off-key' evolved from the musical context of being 'off the key' or 'out of tune' to also mean inappropriate in non-musical contexts.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'out of tune,' but over time it evolved to also mean 'inappropriate' in various contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not in tune; out of harmony.
The singer was off-key during the performance.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
inappropriate or incorrect in a particular situation.
His comments were off-key for the formal event.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42