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tune in

A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To watch a TV show or listen to a radio programme, or to really pay attention to what's going on.

Literal meaning: To adjust a radio or TV set to receive a particular signal or frequency.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To watch or listen to a television or radio programme by switching to the right channel or station.

"Make sure you tune in to the evening news at seven."

"Tune in, turn on, drop out."

— Timothy Leary, counterculture slogan, 1960s
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To become aware of and attentive to someone's feelings, needs, or a situation.

"Good managers know how to tune in to the mood of their team."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

(informal) To give one's full attention to something or someone, often in a spiritual or psychological sense.

"She meditated every morning to tune in to her inner thoughts."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Originally a literal term from radio/TV (selecting a frequency). Now widely used figuratively to mean paying close attention or being in touch with one's own or others' feelings. The imperative 'tune in next week' is a classic broadcast formula.

Commonly used with

radio channel programme broadcast feelings audience

Forms

Base
tune in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tunes in
he/she/it
Past simple
tuned in
yesterday
Past participle
tuned in
have + pp
-ing form
tuning in
continuous

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