tune out
B1 informal separable both
In simple words
To stop listening to or paying attention to something or someone.
Literal meaning: To adjust a radio/TV away from a signal so you no longer receive it.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To stop paying attention to someone or something, especially because it is boring or annoying.
"Students tend to tune out after sitting in a lecture for more than an hour."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
informal
To deliberately ignore or block out a specific sound, person, or distraction.
"She learned to tune out the noise from the street and focus on her work."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Often used when someone stops listening due to boredom, irritation, or mental fatigue. Can be used with or without an object. Opposite of 'tune in'. Common in everyday speech.
Commonly used with
noise criticism lecture background distractions completely
Forms
Base
tune out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tunes out
he/she/it
Past simple
tuned out
yesterday
Past participle
tuned out
have + pp
-ing form
tuning out
continuous
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