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Chord Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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chord

[kɔːd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

A group of (typically three or more) notes sounded together, as a basis of harmony.

Synonyms

harmony, note, sound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chord

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.
harmony

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.
note

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.
sound

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.

Examples of usage

  • He played a beautiful chord on the piano.
  • The choir sang in perfect harmony, each member holding their designated chord.
Context #2 | Noun

geometry

A straight line joining two points on a curve.

Synonyms

curve, line segment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chord

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.
line segment

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.
curve

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.

Examples of usage

  • The chord of a circle is a line segment whose endpoints lie on the circle.
Context #3 | Noun

architecture

A principal structural member, such as the wall of a vault or of an arcade.

Synonyms

beam, structural member.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chord

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.
beam

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.

Examples of usage

  • The architect carefully designed the placement of each chord to ensure the stability and beauty of the structure.
Context #4 | Verb

music

Play, sing, or arrange chords.

Synonyms

accompany, harmonize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chord

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.
harmonize

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.
accompany

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.

Examples of usage

  • He loves to chord his guitar and create his own music.
  • She carefully chorded the piano keys to produce a melodious tune.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Music Theory

  • Chords are categorized into major, minor, diminished, and augmented types, with each type creating different emotions in music.
  • The basic triad chord consists of three notes, which can be built on any note in the scale.

Pop Culture

  • Many popular songs use simple chords that make them easy for beginners to play on instruments like the guitar and piano.
  • Chords are often used in music genres ranging from classical to rock, making them a fundamental part of many famous tracks.

Psychology

  • Harmonious chords can evoke feelings of happiness and relaxation, while dissonant chords can create tension or anxiety.
  • Listening to certain chords can increase the release of dopamine in the brain, enhancing mood and emotions.

History of Music

  • The use of chords has evolved since the Renaissance, where harmony began to take a prominent role in Western music.
  • Jazz music revolutionized chords by introducing complex harmonies and extensions, influencing modern music styles.

Origin of 'chord'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'chorda', which referred to a string or cord, related to the strings of musical instruments.
  • In the Middle Ages, the concept of chords evolved to encompass harmony in music, reflecting the idea of joining notes.

The word 'chord' originated from the Middle English 'cord', which came from the Old French 'corde' and Latin 'chorda', meaning 'string of a musical instrument'. The term was first used in the musical sense in the early 15th century, referring to a combination of musical tones played simultaneously to create harmony. Over time, 'chord' expanded its meaning to include geometric and architectural contexts, reflecting the interconnectedness of different fields through a common term.

See also: chords, tetrachord.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,241 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.