Quire vs. Choir: What's the Difference?

The terms quire and choir are often confused due to their similar pronunciations, but they have distinct meanings. A quire refers to a collection of sheets of paper or parchment, usually 24 or 25 sheets, which makes one twentieth of a ream. On the other hand, a choir typically denotes a group of singers who perform together, often in a church service or a musical ensemble.

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Quire vs. Choir

How do you use the word quire in a sentence?

The word quire is utilized to describe a specific quantity of paper. Often found in the context of printing, publishing, or stationery, it is used when referring to the number of sheets bound together or as part of packaging. Not commonly used in everyday language, it is more prevalent in industries dealing with paper goods.
Examples of quire in a sentence
  • The printer asked for a quire of paper to test the new design drafts.
  • During the medieval era, a scribe would need several quires to copy a manuscript.
  • She purchased a quire of high-quality stationery for her calligraphy project.

How do you use the word choir in a sentence?

Choir is most commonly used in reference to a group of singers, especially one that performs in a church service. It's also a term used for the area in a church where the choir sits. When using this word, the context of music, performance, or religious service is usually involved.
Examples of choir in a sentence
  • The school choir won first place at the regional singing competition.
  • Members of the church choir gathered for rehearsal every Thursday evening.
  • She always felt at peace singing in the choir, surrounded by harmonious voices.

Quire and choir definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation

Quire definition:
A quire is a quantity of sheet paper, typically 24 or 25 sheets, which constitutes one twentieth of a standard ream of paper.

Quire parts of speech:
  • The class needs more quires of paper for their art project (noun).
  • This ancient tome is bound in 40 quires (noun).

Quire pronunciation:
Quire is pronounced as /kwīr/.

Choir definition:
A choir is a group of singers who perform together, especially in a church service, or the part of a church where these singers stand.

Choir parts of speech:
  • He joined the choir last year and has enjoyed singing ever since (noun).
  • The cathedral had a choir with beautiful acoustics (noun).

Choir pronunciation:
Choir is pronounced as /ˈkwī(ə)r/ or, in non-rhotic accents, as /ˈkwaɪə/.

Quire vs. Choir in a nutshell

While both quire and choir are pronounced similarly, they refer to completely different concepts. Quire is a measure of paper, not commonly used in daily conversation, specific to the context of stationery or bookbinding. Choir, contrastingly, is associated with music and singing, often within a group or church setting. Recognizing the distinction between these terms can prevent confusion and ensure accurate communication, especially in professional domains where such specificity is critical.

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