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The difference between chord and cord is not only in spelling, but also in meaning. While chord and cord may have the same pronunciation, the two words have differences and are not interchangeable. Chord (the one with the letter “h”) is primarily a noun referring to “three or more musical tones played together,” while cord can be used as a noun and an adjective.
Cord is used mainly as a noun to refer to “a long flexible string or rope, often made of thinner pieces woven together.” As an adjective, cord clothes are made from corduroy.
When to Use Chord
We use chord as a noun to refer to a combination of three musical notes sounded simultaneously. As a verb, it can also mean to play chords on a musical instrument.
Chord as a Noun
Anya strummed the first chord of the prelude.
The dots on the chord charts are your fingers when playing the guitar.
The B chord is very difficult to play on a musical instrument for her.
Controlling sequences of chords from behind the drums is a unique technique.
Chord as a Verb
‘Can you chord me a melody without any guide?’
She can chord a very pleasant-sounding melody.
‘Hey, can you chord something later for our musical class?’
When to Use Cord
We use cord as a noun and adjective. The word has many meanings when used as a noun. As a noun, cord primarily means a piece of thick string or thin rope. It can also mean an electrical wire, usually for connecting electrical equipment to the electricity’s supply. Moreover, it means an anatomical structure (such as a nerve or tendon) resembling a cord in anatomy. As an adjective, cord clothes mean clothes made from corduroy.
Cord as a Noun
A piece of rope
A regiment had to pull explosives and some tangled cord from their bags.
The camera lens needs to capture a cord to create an effect in a creative photoshoot.
He attached a cord around the tree.
An electrical wire used for electrical supply
An extension cord is useful when traveling.
The cable cord of my charger is already broken.
He needs a replacement for the charger cord of his laptop.
An anatomical structure resembling a cord
They need to cut the umbilical cord.
Our spinal cord connects our brain to our lower back.
Cord as an Adjective
Clothes made from corduroy
She wears pink cord trousers.
I always wear my brown cord pants.
Chord vs. Cord: What’s the Difference?
The difference between chord and cord is chord (the one with the letter “h”) is primarily a noun referring to “three or more musical tones played together,” while cord can be used as a noun and an adjective.
Cord is primarily used as a noun to refer to “a long flexible string or rope, often made of thinner pieces woven together.” Also, it means an electrical wire used for electrical supply and an anatomical structure resembling a cord. As an adjective, cord clothes are made from corduroy.
Remember, chord and harmony both have the letter “h,” so use chord when talking about music.
References:
Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.) Cord. In https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/ dictionary. Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/cord
Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.) Chord. In https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/ dictionary. Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/chord
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online. (n.d.). Cord. In https://www.ldoceonline.com/ dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/cord
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online. (n.d.). Chord. In https://www.ldoceonline.com/ dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/chord
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Cord. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cord
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Chord. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chord
