What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
psaltery
Example
The musician played a beautiful melody on the psaltery. [psaltery: noun]
Example
She learned to play the psaltery when she was studying medieval music. [psaltery: noun]
harp
Example
The harpist played a beautiful melody at the wedding ceremony. [harpist: noun]
Example
He practiced playing the harp every day to prepare for the orchestra audition. [harp: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Harp is more commonly used and well-known than psaltery in everyday language. Harp is a popular instrument that is used in various genres of music, while psaltery is less common and may be associated with more niche or historical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between psaltery and harp?
Both psaltery and harp can be used in formal and informal contexts, but harp may be more versatile and widely recognized, making it more appropriate for formal occasions.
