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Chime Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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chime

[tʃaɪm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sound

A musical or ringing sound made by a bell or a similar instrument.

Synonyms

bell sound, ringing, toll.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chime

Often used to describe a harmonious, melodious sound made by one or many bells, typically in a coordinated and pleasant manner. Generally used in a positive context.

  • The clock tower chimes every hour with a beautiful melody.
  • Wind chimes create a calming sound as the breeze blows through them.
bell sound

A more generic term to describe any noise made by a bell, without necessarily specifying whether it's melodious or not. It can be neutral or descriptive.

  • She heard a bell sound coming from the distant church.
  • The bell sound signaled the end of the class.
ringing

Refers to the action or result of a bell making noise. Can be used to describe continuous or repeated sounds. It is neutral by itself but can carry negative connotations depending on the context, such as an annoying or persistent noise.

  • The constant ringing of his phone was getting on her nerves.
  • There was a soft ringing in her ears after the concert.
toll

Typically used to describe the sound of a large bell, often in a slower, more somber, or mournful manner. Usually associated with events such as funerals or moments of remembrance. Has a negative or serious connotation.

  • The church bell tolled solemnly during the funeral service.
  • The toll of the bell marked the end of an era.

Examples of usage

  • The chime of the church bells echoed through the village.
  • The grandfather clock filled the room with its soothing chimes.
Context #2 | Noun

harmony

A harmonious sequence of musical tones.

Synonyms

harmony, melody, tune.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chime

This word is commonly used to describe the sound made by a set of bells or a clock. It can also mean to join in agreement with a discussion or opinion.

  • The church bells chime every hour
  • She chimed in with her own ideas during the meeting
melody

Used to describe a sequence of musical notes that are perceived as a single entity, often the main theme of a song or piece of music.

  • The melody of the song was very catchy
  • He played a beautiful melody on the piano
harmony

This word refers to a pleasant combination of musical notes played or sung together. It can also describe a state of peaceful and pleasant agreement in relationships or various aspects of life.

  • The choir sang in perfect harmony
  • There was harmony in the group after the team-building exercise
tune

This word can refer to a melody that is easy to recognize, remember, and sing. It can also mean adjusting musical instruments to the correct pitch.

  • I can't get that tune out of my head
  • The musicians spent a few minutes tuning their instruments before the concert

Examples of usage

  • The chimes of the piano filled the concert hall with beautiful music.
  • The chime of the orchestra brought tears to the audience's eyes.
Context #3 | Verb

agree

To be in agreement or accord.

Synonyms

accord, agree, concur.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chime

This word is used when describing something that is in harmony or synchrony, often in a metaphorical sense. It can also mean to sound pleasant together.

  • Their ideas chime well with each other.
  • The bells chimed in the distance.
agree

This is a general term used in everyday conversation when people share the same opinion or come to a mutual decision.

  • I agree with your point of view.
  • They agreed to meet at the coffee shop.
accord

Use this word when referring to an official or formal agreement, especially in diplomatic contexts or significant negotiations.

  • The countries signed an accord to cease hostilities.
  • They reached an accord after several days of intense discussions.
concur

This word is more formal than 'agree' and often used in written communication or formal discussions to indicate agreement in opinion.

  • The committee members concurred on the budget proposal.
  • Historians concur that this was a pivotal event in history.

Examples of usage

  • Their opinions chimed perfectly on the matter.
  • The team members chimed in with their support for the project.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Music

  • Chimes are often made of metal tubes or rods that produce a melodious sound when struck.
  • They are commonly used in music therapy to promote relaxation and mindfulness.
  • A chime can represent different pitches, creating a harmonious sound often used in orchestras.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, chimes are associated with good luck and are hung in homes or gardens to attract positive energy.
  • Buddhist temples use chimes to signal prayer times and for meditation, creating a calming environment.
  • Festival celebrations often feature chimes, as they symbolize the welcoming of new beginnings or the marking of time.

Psychology

  • Ringing chimes can evoke nostalgia, reminding individuals of specific memories tied to time or events.
  • The sound of chimes is often linked with feelings of peace and tranquility, affecting the listener's mood.
  • Research indicates that pleasant musical sounds, like chimes, can reduce stress and promote emotional well-being.

Technology

  • Modern devices, like smartphones, use chime sounds as notifications, enhancing user engagement.
  • Chimes are utilized in alarm systems to alert individuals of security breaches or emergencies.
  • Some applications use chime sounds to signal transitions in activities, like moving from work to relaxation.

Origin of 'chime'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'chime' comes from the Old French 'chimer', which means to 'ring'.
  • It can be traced back to the Latin word 'cymbalum', meaning 'cymbal' or 'bell'.
  • Chime has roots in the Proto-Indo-European word 'keim-', which refers to 'to sound'.

The word 'chime' originated from the Old English word 'cim, cyme', which referred to a sound made by a bell or musical instrument. Over time, the meaning expanded to include harmonious musical tones and the concept of agreement. The use of chimes has been prevalent in various cultures and traditions, symbolizing different meanings such as the passage of time, celebration, or communication.

See also: chimes, chiming.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,283, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.