Chord: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to a group of notes played together to create music. Commonly seen in discussions about musical composition or performance.

• She strummed a chord on her guitar.
• They learned how to play basic chords in their music class.

Describes when notes are played or sung together to produce a pleasing effect. Often used in contexts related to choir singing, orchestral performance, or collaborations in music.

• The choir practiced their harmonies until they were perfect.
• The song had beautiful harmony parts that complemented the melody.

Refers to a single pitch or tone in music. Commonly used in the context of reading, writing, or playing music.

• She hit the high note perfectly.
• Each note on the sheet music corresponds to a key on the piano.

Broad term that refers to anything that can be heard. Used in a variety of contexts, not limited to music; can describe noise, tone, or pitch.

• The birds made a beautiful sound in the morning.
• The sound of the drums echoed through the hall.

Math and music context. In geometry, it refers to a line segment joining two points on a curve. In music, it refers to a group of notes played together harmoniously.

• In geometry class, we learned that a chord is a segment that connects two points on a circle.
• The guitarist played a beautiful chord during the performance.

Geometry-specific term, referring to a part of a line that is bounded by two distinct end points. Not to be confused with 'chord', though a chord is a type of line segment within a curve.

• In geometry, a line segment is defined by its two end points.
• The sides of a triangle are line segments.

Describes a smoothly flowing, continuous line without sharp angles, often used in geometry and everyday life. It can have a more general and flexible meaning compared to 'chord'.

• The road takes a gentle curve around the hill.
• In math, we studied the properties of different types of curves.

This term is often used in the field of music to describe a combination of notes played together.

• She played a beautiful chord on the piano.
• The guitarist strummed a G major chord.

Commonly used in construction or engineering to describe a long, sturdy piece of wood or metal that supports weight.

• The ceiling beam needs to be replaced.
• The workers installed a steel beam to support the new floor.

Use 'chord' when referring to a combination of musical notes played together, typically in harmony, to produce a pleasing sound.

• She played a beautiful chord on the piano.
• The guitarist strummed a G chord.

Use 'harmonize' when describing the action of creating harmony through different notes or melodies being played or sung together. This word typically implies a cooperative musical effort to create a pleasant sound.

• The singers harmonized beautifully during the chorus.
• These two instruments harmonize well.

Use 'accompany' when talking about playing music alongside another musician, singer, or instrument to support the main performance. It often implies a supportive role.

• She will accompany him on the piano during the concert.
• The violin will accompany the choir in the final piece.