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to fine-tune

to fine-tune

26 4.2
To make small changes so something works better
  • verb
  • /faɪn tun/
translation icon : afinar
  • Hence, the classroom becomes more student-centered, and teachers fine-tune and enrich their repertoire of teaching tools.
  • fine-tune a strategy
  • fine-tune the process
  • fine-tune the performance

Well, I think it's partly because they fine-tuned their design to their particular workload.

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Examples

  • Engineers use feedback to fine-tune the software and enhance its performance.

  • We also get faster training when we fine tune on these target tasks.

  • And what you're trying to do is fine tune your design.

  • Rapid prototyping has helped designers fine-tune new products earlier in the development cycle.

    Academic text (1995)
  • In 1993, the city determined that outside agronomic expertise was needed to fine-tune its land application program.

    Academic text (1996)
  • A pilot study was initially conducted to "fine-tune" and validate the survey instrument before disseminating it to participants.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The chef decided to fine-tune the recipe by adjusting the spice levels for better flavor.

  • Before the final presentation, she needed to fine-tune her speech to ensure clarity and impact.

Synonyms

to adjust
vsto fine-tune
317 2.7

To change something so it is in the right position or works correctly

is specifically about very small exact corrections to improve or perfect things
to modify
vsto fine-tune
268 3.2

Make small changes to something to make it more useful

is narrower emphasising very exact corrections rather than general changes
to tune
vsto fine-tune
  • Specialized
125 3.2

Adjust a machine or system so it works better

is more focused on tiny exact corrections rather than broader performance changes
to refine
vsto fine-tune
93 4.0

Make something better by making a few small changes

is limited to very precise adjustments meant to perfect performance
to tweak
vsto fine-tune
81 3.8

To make small changes to improve something

is about making very precise tiny corrections to perfect something
to calibrate
vsto fine-tune
  • Specialized
36 6.0

Adjust a measuring instrument so it gives accurate results

is broader applying precise small changes beyond instruments to improve anything
to polish
vsto fine-tune
22 4.1

To make something better by small changes

is focused on small exact corrections to improve function rather than finish
to polish up
vsto fine-tune
  • Informal
4 3.5

Make something better by practicing or fixing it

is more about precise tiny adjustments aimed at technical improvement
to tune up
vsto fine-tune
2 3.9

To make a machine or instrument work better by checking and fixing it

is about small precise improvements rather than general servicing or preparation
to retune
vsto fine-tune
1 4.5

Adjust a musical instrument so it sounds in tune

is more general covering precise adjustments outside musical settings too
to smooth out the rough edges
vsto fine-tune
  • Informal
1 4.4

To make something better by fixing small problems

is about making controlled tiny corrections to reach optimal performance rather than easing problems

Antonyms

2.0

Destroy or badly damage something so it cannot be used

to mess up
  • Informal
597 2.8

To make a mistake that causes a problem

How Precise

to optimize
69 5.3
to fine-tune
26 4.2
to adjust
317 2.7
to modify
268 3.2
to change
1.0

Surface Forms

fine-tune infinitive
fine-tuned past
fine-tuned past participle
fine-tuning present participle
fine-tunes third person singular

Morphology

fine-tune = fine + tune (transparent) = fine + tune

The verb is a direct combination of 'fine' (precise) and 'tune' (adjust), meaning to make small, precise adjustments.

Etymology

Fine-tune comes from the parts fine (meaning 'small' or 'precise') and tune (like a musical 'tune' or the act of adjusting an instrument). So to fine-tune something is to make small, careful changes to improve or perfect it.