The Spanish verb 'acordar' (meaning 'to agree' or 'to tune') comes from the Latin word 'accordare' meaning 'to bring into harmony.' The Latin word itself was formed by combining two elements: the prefix 'ad-' meaning 'toward' and 'cor' meaning 'heart.' So etymologically, the idea behind 'acordar' is bringing hearts together or toward the same purpose, which evolved into the modern meaning of coming to an agreement or bringing musical instruments into harmony.

Several common Spanish words share this heart-based etymology with 'acordar': 'acuerdo' (agreement), 'recordar' (to remember - literally to pass back through the heart), and 'corazón' (heart). The connection between heart and memory/agreement reflects the ancient notion of the heart as the center of thought and feeling.

English speakers might recognize the connection to words like 'accord,' 'cordial,' and 'cardiac.' 'Accord' is the most direct relative, meaning 'agreement' or 'harmony,' just like Spanish 'acordar.' 'Cordial' (meaning heartfelt or warm) comes from the same Latin 'cor' (heart). 'Cardiac,' relating to the heart, also shares this ancient root, though it came through Greek 'kardia' rather than Latin.