| English Dictionary |
TIN EAR
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
| IPA (US): |  |
Dictionary entry overview: What does tin ear mean?
• TIN EAR (noun)
The noun TIN EAR has 2 senses:
1. an inability to distinguish differences in pitch
2. insensitivity to the appropriateness or subtlety of language
Familiarity information: TIN EAR used as a noun is rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
An inability to distinguish differences in pitch
Classified under:
Nouns denoting stable states of affairs
Synonyms:
tin ear; tone deafness
Hypernyms ("tin ear" is a kind of...):
deafness; hearing loss (partial or complete loss of hearing)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Insensitivity to the appropriateness or subtlety of language
Classified under:
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects
Context example:
he has a tin ear for dialogue
Hypernyms ("tin ear" is a kind of...):
insensitiveness; insensitivity (the inability to respond to affective changes in your interpersonal environment)
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