sync
sync — noun
1. used to describe things whose movements or actions are perfectly matched in thei
used to describe things whose movements or actions are perfectly matched in their timing and pace, as though guided by the same beat
The dancers moved in sync with the music, their arms rising and falling together.
be in sync with [music/rhythm] — matching timing
Yuki and Hari kicked their legs in sync during the swimming lesson.
The drummer kept perfectly in sync with the bass player throughout the whole song.
All three conveyor belts in the factory must run in sync for the packaging to work.
Mia could feel her own heartbeat fall naturally in sync with the slow drumbeat.
- in time
used mainly in music and dance contexts
- in step
used mainly for marching or walking together in a group
- coordinated
more formal and broader in use
- out of sync
the direct opposite for physical timing
文法句型
be in sync with [noun phrase]
用法筆記
Always appears in the fixed phrase 'in sync (with)'. Most common when describing music, dance, sports, or machinery that work together rhythmically.
常見錯誤
2. used to describe people or groups whose ideas, feelings, or plans match each oth
used to describe people or groups whose ideas, feelings, or plans match each other, creating a smooth working relationship
The two designers were completely in sync about the colour scheme for the new logo.
be in sync about [topic] — agreeing on a specific subject
Emre and his business partner stayed in sync on every major decision for years.
stay in sync on [topic] — maintaining agreement over time
The team's marketing plan needs to be in sync with the company's overall goals.
The neighbours were happily in sync about keeping the street clean and well-lit.
- in agreement
more formal and directly states shared opinions
- aligned
common in business and team settings
- in tune
suggests emotional or instinctive harmony
- out of sync
the opposite meaning for agreement or harmony
文法句型
be in sync with [someone] about [topic]
用法筆記
Always appears in the fixed phrase 'in sync (with)'. Describes mental, emotional, or strategic alignment rather than physical timing. The subject is typically people or groups, not machines.
常見錯誤
3. used to describe things whose movements or actions are not matched in timing or
used to describe things whose movements or actions are not matched in timing or pace, causing irregularity or mistakes
The video and audio were out of sync, so the actor's lips moved well after the words.
be out of sync — technical mismatch between media tracks
Hassan's pedalling was out of sync with the other cyclists, slowing the group down.
out of sync with [group] — losing the common rhythm
Renata's clapping was out of sync with the rest of the audience during the performance.
The two clocks above the station platform were out of sync by nearly three minutes.
- out of time
used mainly in music and performance contexts
- out of step
used mainly for marching or walking together
- in sync
the direct opposite for physical timing
文法句型
be out of sync with [noun phrase]
用法筆記
Always appears in the fixed phrase 'out of sync (with)'. Frequently describes technical glitches (audio-video mismatch) or physical coordination problems in group activities.
4. used to describe people, groups, or actions whose ideas, feelings, or methods do
used to describe people, groups, or actions whose ideas, feelings, or methods do not match, often causing tension or poor results
The manager's promises were out of sync with what the company could actually deliver.
out of sync with [reality/capacity] — mismatch between words and reality
Nellie's progressive teaching style was out of sync with the school's traditional approach.
The new policy felt out of sync with the values that the community had always supported.
Tamás felt out of sync with his classmates, who all preferred working together instead of alone.
- at odds
stronger in tone, often implies direct conflict
- in disagreement
more straightforward and formal
- not aligned
common in business and planning contexts
- in sync
the opposite meaning for agreement or compatibility
文法句型
be out of sync with [someone/something]
用法筆記
Always appears in the fixed phrase 'out of sync (with)'. Differs from noun sense 3 in that it describes mismatched opinions, methods, or values rather than mismatched timing.
sync — verb
1. to make two or more events, movements, or actions happen at the same time so tha
to make two or more events, movements, or actions happen at the same time so that they work smoothly together
The dance coach told the class to sync their steps with the bass beat.
sync [steps/actions] with [beat/rhythm] — matching movement to a cue
The engineers synced the two conveyor belts so boxes moved between them without stopping.
The swimmers practised syncing their breathing with each stroke to go faster.
The film crew had to sync the sound effects with the actors' movements on screen.
- synchronize
the formal equivalent; appropriate in academic or technical writing
- coordinate
broader meaning, not limited to timing
- align
common in business contexts for schedules or plans
文法句型
sync [noun] with [noun]
用法筆記
Informal. The formal equivalent is 'synchronize'. Common in speech about group activities, performance, physical coordination, and machinery. Usually transitive — requires an object (what you sync).
常見錯誤
2. to make two or more gadgets, such as phones or computers, share and update the s
to make two or more gadgets, such as phones or computers, share and update the same data automatically between them, including files, photos, contacts, or calendars
Apinya synced her phone with her laptop so that all her photos appeared on both devices.
sync [device] with [device] — connecting devices to share data
The app automatically syncs your notes across all your devices every few minutes.
automatically syncs [data] across [devices] — background synchronization
You need to sync your smartwatch with the phone app to track your daily steps.
Noa forgot to sync her tablet before the flight and could not open the saved articles.
- synchronize
the formal equivalent; less common in everyday tech talk but correct in manuals
- update
different — update is usually one-directional (server → device)
文法句型
sync [device] with [device]
用法筆記
The most common everyday use of 'sync'. Used almost exclusively for electronic devices and digital data. Frequently appears in software interfaces and device instructions.