Cord and Chord have different meanings, though both come from a root word meaning “string.”
Cords are string-like objects but thicker and heavier than strings, such as power cords—the cords that connect machines to sources of electricity.
A second meaning of cord, also not used every day, is “a pile of wood, 128 feet square in size (4x4x8).” Few English speakers know the proper size of a cord of a wood – but they may use the word to mean “a pile of wood.”
Chord, on the other hand, has several meanings, only loosely related to strings.
The first meaning of chord is “three or more musical notes sounding together.” You may have heard of (or even be familiar) with chords; they have names (in English) like “A minor 7” and “G major.”
A second meaning of chord belongs to geometry; a chord is a line connecting two points on a circle. This word is not often used outside of classrooms!
Both words can be used as verbs, but it is rare. To chord can mean “to compose or play chords (in music)” and to cord can mean “to create cords, or tie things up with cords.” These words are not commonly used.
Did This Guide "Strike a Chord?"
While we're at it, let's look at a common English phrase: to strike a chord.
To strike a chord is an idiom used to describe something that has a strong emotional affect on someone. It's a way of saying that something really resonates—that it evokes a positive or powerful awareness and sense of accord. Here are a few examples:
I don't know why that song is so popular, but it seems to strike a chord with a lot of people.
His speech struck a chord with me.
That's the first time she has ever spoken about her childhood, and it struck a chord with me.
She's a nice person who really strikes a chord with people.
More Examples of How to Use "Chord" in a Sentence
- I've noticed that all of your songs use the same chords.
- The teacher told them about the chord progression, and the students had to play it on their instruments.
- This is an example of a perfect fifth (the chord progression used).
- Mr. Jones played some chords on the piano, and asked the students to sing along.
- I tried to write a song using the same chords, but I found it difficult to improve the melody.
- The songwriter used chords, including a C minor 7th chord, to create an unusual sound.
- The melody was written in E major, but it was played with the F sharp chord.
- In order to make a chord on the guitar, you need to hold down at least two strings at the same time.
- The most basic chord is called a "power chord" and it's made up of just two notes: the root and the fifth.
- One way to make your chords sound fuller is to add an "extension"; an extension is simply another note that's added to the chord.
More Examples of How to Use "Cord" in a Sentence
- The phone cord has been cut.
- I need a new cord for my lamp.
- It's getting late, so I'm going to bed; don't forget to turn off the light, and unplug all the cords.
- Jamal had to run downstairs to get the extension cord for the lamp, so that the lamp cord could be plugged into the outlet in the hallway..
- The cord on your television remote is frayed; I think you should replace it.
- Ricky tripped over the cord to the vacuum cleaner, injuring his wrist as he tried to break his fall.
- I still remember being in awe when we bought our first cordless phone.
- Why are power cords so expensive to replace?
- To avoid tripping over the cord for the lamp, I taped it to the floor.
- The extension cord is too short, so I'll have to get a longer one.
- Please wrap up this cord before someone trips and gets hurt.