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off-key

 - 3 dictionary results

off-key

  [awf-kee, of-]
Use off-key in a Sentence
–adjective
1. deviating from the correct tone or pitch; out of tune.
2. Informal. somewhat irregular, abnormal, or incongruous.
Origin:
1925–30
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To off-key
off-key   (ôf'kē', ŏf'-)
adj.  

  1. Music Pitched higher or lower than the correct notes of a melody.

  2. Being out of accord with what is considered normal or appropriate: a high-flown, off-key speech by a newcomer.

off'key' adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

off-key 
1929, from off + musical sense of key (1). Fig. sense is from 1943.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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