Definition

Noun: 1. The repetition of similar vowel sounds in the stressed syllables of successive or nearby words. This is a literary device, also known as assonance, used to create internal rhyme and a specific rhythmic or musical effect within a phrase or line of poetry or prose.

Usage

The term "vowel rhyme" is used primarily in literary analysis, poetry, and linguistics to describe a specific sound pattern. It focuses on the vowel sounds, not the consonant sounds that follow them. It is a technique for creating euphony, emphasis, or mood.

Examples

• In the phrase "high and mighty," the repetition of the long 'i' sound (/aɪ/) in the stressed syllables creates a vowel rhyme.
• The line "Hear the meek, mild-eyed man" contains vowel rhymes with the similar 'ee' (/iː/) and 'i' (/aɪ/) sounds.
• "The light of the fire is a sight" demonstrates vowel rhyme with the repeated long 'i' sound (/aɪ/).

Advanced Usage

• Distinction from Perfect Rhyme: A "vowel rhyme" (assonance) differs from a perfect or full rhyme. Perfect rhyme requires the repetition of both the final stressed vowel sound all following sounds (e.g., "light" /laɪt/ and "fight" /faɪt/). Vowel rhyme only requires the vowel sound to be similar, while the surrounding consonants differ (e.g., "light" /laɪt/ and "time" /taɪm/).
• Function in Literature: Writers use vowel rhyme to:
  • Create a musical quality or rhythm.
  • Link words and concepts together subtly.
  • Establish a particular tone or atmosphere.

Variants and Related Words

• Assonance: This is the more common and precise synonym for "vowel rhyme" in literary terminology.
• Consonance: The repetition of similar consonant sounds, typically at the end of stressed syllables (e.g., "pitter-patter").
• Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds in closely connected words (e.g., "silly snake").

Synonyms

• Assonance
• Vocalic rhyme (a less common term)

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Internal rhyme: Rhyme that occurs within a single line of verse, which can be achieved through vowel rhyme.
• Slant rhyme / Half-rhyme: A general category of imperfect rhyme, which often includes vowel rhyme (assonance) and consonance.

Noun

1. the repetition of similar vowels in the stressed syllables of successive words