Homophones: bass or base? Chord or wire?
Homophones are phrases that sound alike however have totally different meanings. Many homophones even have totally different spellings, and all too usually, folks combine them up.
The result’s an onslaught of misspellings all through the written universe.
Though these errors are comprehensible, they’re problematic since they’re contagious. If somebody sees a homophone used incorrectly or misspelled sufficient occasions, they’ll assume the utilization is right and undertake it.
Thus the errors unfold.
Ideally we’d be certain that our language doesn’t comprise some of these phrases. I’m certain we’re artistic sufficient to provide you with fully new phrases, however sadly, language evolves of its personal accord, so we should make do with what we’ve got.
In the present day, we’ll have a look at two units of homophones which have connections to music. The primary set of homophones is bass and base. The second is chord and wire. For the needs of this text, we’re going to make use of solely frequent definitions of those homophones.
Homophones: Bass and Base
Each phrases, bass and base, rhyme with the next phrases: ace, face, lace, and race.
Bass
In music, there’s a phrase that’s typically utilized in lieu of the phrase low. That phrase is bass. There’s a bass clef, a bass guitar, and even bass audio system, which make automobiles go increase. All of those point out sound that’s low in tone. As you’ll be able to see, this phrase can perform as each a noun and adjective:
- On piano, the left hand performs the bass clef whereas the precise hand performs the treble clef. (adjective)
- Charlie Tempo performed the bass. (noun)
- These bass audio system are too loud! (adjective)
It’s not a fish! Bass is an odd phrase as a result of it seems to be prefer it needs to be pronounced to rhyme with class. Really, when referring to fish, it’s pronounced that means. Simply keep in mind when speaking about sound and music, it’s spelled b-a-s-s and the a is a tough vowel.
Base
This phrase is just not almost as enjoyable, though it sounds similar to bass. Its that means often signifies the underside or core of one thing. It could possibly additionally imply that from which one thing comes. This versatile phrase can perform as a noun, adjective, or verb.
- The base ingredient is flour. (adjective)
- It regarded like a house run however he solely obtained to 3rd base. (noun)
- We don’t base our opinions on falsehoods. (verb)
Base sounds similar to bass, however its spelled otherwise and doesn’t inherently cope with music or sound.
Homophones: Chord and Twine
Chord
In music, if you play three or extra notes concurrently, that’s a chord. The phrase chord can also be used to confer with emotion.
- Are you able to play a C chord on the guitar?
- That episode actually struck a chord with me.
Twine
You already know that factor that connects your pc to the wall? That’s a wire. The identical phrase refers to lengths of string or skinny rope, such because the drawstring wire within the waistband of your sweatpants. A wire will also be a unit of quantity. This phrase is a noun.
- Are you able to plug this wire into the wall?
- Tie it with a wire!
- I simply ordered a wire of firewood.