WordGarden.ioassonance
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈæsənəns/
US
- /ˈæsənəns/AustralianNew-Zealandcountableuncountablenoun
Meanings
Noun
the repetition of similar vowel sounds in nearby words as a stylistic effect
Beyond the definition
Imagine a poet carefully choosing words not just for their meaning, but for how they sound. That's where assonance comes in. It's the repetition of similar vowel sounds in nearby words. Think of it as an echo of vowels creating a subtle musicality. It isn't the same as rhyme, which usually matches ending sounds, but rather a different kind of internal resonance.
You hear assonance all around you, even if you don't realize it! Edgar Allan Poe was a master of it. In his poem The Bells, he writes: "Hear the mellow wedding bells." Notice the repeated short "e" sound? That's assonance at work, adding to the melodic and memorable quality of the verse. It's often used in poetry, song lyrics, and even everyday speech to create rhythm and emphasis.
Assonance is a literary device that involves the repetition of similar vowel sounds within words that are close together. Unlike rhyme, which focuses on matching ending sounds, assonance highlights the internal harmony created by repeating vowel sounds—not necessarily letters. It's about the way the vowels resonate when spoken.
Think of it as a subtle musicality woven into language. It's often used to create a specific mood or effect, add emphasis, and make writing more memorable. Poets and songwriters frequently employ assonance to enhance the rhythm and flow of their work without the restrictiveness of perfect rhyme.
For example, consider the phrase "old stone cold." The repeated long "o" sound creates a sense of heaviness and duration. Or take the phrase: "Try to light the fire." The long "i" sound is echoed, creating a bright, rising quality.
Assonance isn't just limited to poetry. It appears in everyday language, too! Advertisers use it to make slogans catchy and memorable ("The rain in Spain"). Politicians might use it to subtly influence listeners.
While subtle, assonance is a powerful tool for adding depth, texture, and musicality to any form of communication. It's the secret ingredient that can elevate simple words into something truly captivating.
Examples
- 1
Poetry class
In class, we looked at the assonance in the line "slow road home."
- 2
Songwriting
The songwriter uses assonance to make the chorus softer and more musical.
- 3
Rhyme contrast
There is clear assonance between "light" and "time," even though the words do not rhyme.
See also
Similar
- vowel rhyme
- vowel repetition
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- use assonance
- assonance in poetry
- examples of assonance
Word family
- assonant
Explore
- sound patterning
- rhyme
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- assonancenoun