WordValeassonance
the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words
In more detail
1. (noun) the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words, especially in poetry and literature
2. (noun) similarity or rough agreement between things
Examples
- 1. The phrase "the cat sat on the mat" uses assonance with the repeated short 'a' sound.
- 2. There is an assonance between his words and his actions.
How to use assonance
Assonance primarily refers to the deliberate repetition of vowel sounds in literary and poetic contexts, creating a musical or rhythmic effect. The secondary meaning of 'rough agreement' is less common in modern English and often appears in more formal or technical discussions. It differs from alliteration (consonant sounds) and from perfect rhyme.
Common phrases
- assonance and alliteration
- use assonance
- assonance in poetry
- create assonance
- effect of assonance
Synonyms
vowel rhyme · rhyme · echo · repetition · consonance (looser sense)
Word family
assonant (adjective) · assonantly (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse assonance with alliteration, or incorrectly use it to mean any similarity or harmony between things rather than specifically the repetition of vowel sounds.
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