The word "chime" can be spelled phonetically as /tʃaɪm/. It contains the consonant "ch", which represents the voiceless palato-alveolar affricate sound /tʃ/. The vowel "i" is pronounced as the diphthong /aɪ/, which is a combination of the vowel sounds /a/ and /i/. The final consonant "m" is pronounced as the voiceless bilabial nasal sound /m/. "Chime" can be used as both a noun and a verb, referring to a musical instrument or the ringing sound it produces.
Chime, as a noun, refers to a musical instrument typically made of metal or glass and suspended in a series to produce a harmonious sound when struck. These instruments are usually arranged in a specific order to create a set of musical notes or tuned to play specific melodies. Chimes are commonly used in various cultures for decorative or ceremonial purposes, and are also known for their use in wind chimes, where they are hung outdoors to create soothing sounds when moved by the wind.
As a verb, chime means to produce a clear, resonant sound in a steady pattern or at regular intervals. It is often associated with the ringing or striking of bells, but it can also describe other sounds that have a similar tonality or musical quality. Additionally, chime can denote the act of agreeing or harmonizing with something or someone. It represents unity or compatibility, and is often used to indicate that two or more elements are in sync or in accord with each other.
In a figurative sense, chime can also describe the art of speaking or writing in a melodious or harmonious manner. It implies an eloquent and pleasant expression that captures attention and resonates with the audience. Overall, chime is a versatile word that encompasses various aspects of sound, harmony, agreement, and artistic expression.
• The musical harmony produced by striking a set of bells with hammers; a set of bells tuned to the musical scale, and struck by hammers acted on by clockwork.
• To sound in harmony or accord; to agree with; to cause to sound in harmony.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "chime" came from the Middle English word "chymbe" which was derived from the Old English word "cim(b)e", meaning "cymbal". It originally referred to a musical instrument similar to a small bell or cymbal struck with a hammer or by shaking. Over time, the term evolved to also describe the sound produced by such an instrument, as well as the repetitive musical sound produced by a set of bells or the synchronization of clocks.