The phrase "struck chord" is often used to describe a sudden understanding or connection with someone or something. The pronunciation of "struck" is /strʌk/, with the first sound being an unvoiced "s" sound, followed by a "t" sound, then a rounded "r" sound, and a short "uh" sound. "Chord" is pronounced as /kɔːd/, with a voiced "k" sound, followed by an open "o" sound, then a retroflexed "r" sound, and a final "d" sound. Together, the two words create a phrase with a melodic and expressive quality.
A "struck chord" is a term most commonly used in music, but it can also be metaphorically applied to other contexts. In the realm of music, a struck chord refers to the simultaneous sounding of three or more notes played together, usually on a musical instrument such as a piano, guitar, or violin. It involves the act of striking the notes in unison or closely together, creating a harmonious or dissonant combination of sounds.
Metaphorically, a struck chord can allude to a powerful or emotional response that is evoked within an individual or a group. This response can be triggered by a word, a phrase, an event, or an experience that resonates deeply with their personal beliefs, values, or emotions. Just like a musical chord strikes multiple notes to produce a harmonious sound, a struck chord signifies the simultaneous activation of multiple thoughts, feelings, or memories that strike a chord or resonate within an individual, typically leaving a lasting impact.
Furthermore, a struck chord can also refer to a connection or agreement that is established between two or more people, where they find common ground or a shared understanding on a certain subject or issue. It represents an alignment of perspectives, opinions, or emotions, resulting in a harmonious agreement or unity. Overall, the term "struck chord" signifies a harmonious or resonant response, whether in music, emotional experiences, or agreement among individuals.
The term "struck chord" does not have a specific etymology of its own, as it is a combination of two separate words. However, we can explore the etymology of each word individually.
1. Struck: The word "struck" is the past tense and past participle of the verb "strike". It originated from the Old English word "strīcan" which meant to hit, beat, or touch forcefully. This word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "strikijaną" and ultimately to the Proto-Indo-European base "*st(e)reyg-" which conveyed the idea of striking or being in motion.
2. Chord: The word "chord" comes from the Latin word "chorda" which means gut, string. It was adopted into English through the Old French word "corde".