assonant

/'æsənənt/

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Explanation of "Assonant"

Definition:
The word "assonant" is an adjective that describes a situation where the same vowel sound appears in different words or syllables, even if the consonants around them are different. This often happens in poetry and song lyrics to create a pleasing sound.

Usage Instructions:

• When to use "assonant": You can use "assonant" when discussing poetry, music, or any form of writing where the sound of words is important. It helps to describe the way certain sounds create rhythm and harmony.

Example:

In the phrase "tilting at windmills," the vowel sound 'i' appears in "tilting" and "wind." Here, the words have different consonants, but they share the same vowel sound, making them assonant.

Advanced Usage:

Assonance is often used in poetry to enhance the musical quality of the language. For example, in the line "Hear the lark and harken to the barking of the dark," the repetition of the vowel sound 'ar' creates an assonant effect.

Word Variants:

• Assonance (noun): The use of assonant sounds in a group of words.
  • Example: The poem had a beautiful assonance that made it memorable.

Different Meaning:

The word "assonant" primarily relates to sound in language. It does not have multiple meanings, but it is closely associated with the concepts of rhyme and meter in poetry.

Synonyms:

• Vowel Harmony: A term used to describe a similar effect.
• Vowel Repetition: Another way to refer to assonance.

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "assonant," you might encounter phrases in poetry or song lyrics that utilize assonance to enhance their emotional impact.

Summary:

In summary, "assonant" refers to the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words, creating a musical quality in language.

Academic

Adjective

1. having the same vowel sound occurring with different consonants in successive words or stressed syllables
2. having the same sound (especially the same vowel sound) occurring in successive stressed syllables
   • note the assonant words and syllables in `tilting at windmills'