Hyphenated compound adjective; used both literally in music and figuratively for something discordant or inappropriate.
Definizioni
Not in the correct musical pitch or tune; sounding wrong. Her off-key singing could be heard from the next room.
Figuratively, not appropriate or not in harmony with a situation or context. His off-key joke made the room go silent.
Hyphenated compound adverb; mainly used to describe singing or playing that is not in tune.
Definizioni
In a way that is not in the correct musical pitch or tune. He sang off-key throughout the chorus.