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Assonant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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assonant

[หˆรฆsษ™nษ™nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

phonetics

Assonant refers to a type of correspondence of sounds in words, specifically the repetition of vowel sounds within close proximity. This literary and linguistic device enhances the rhythm and musical quality of speech or writing.

Synonyms

harmony, vocalic.

Examples of usage

  • The poem has a strong assonant quality.
  • The use of assonant sounds made the lyrics more melodic.
  • You can hear the assonant effects in many of the lines.
  • Writers often use assonant patterns for emphasis.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Used extensively by poets to create rhythm and enhance the musicality of their work.
  • Famous poets like Edgar Allan Poe and Maya Angelou employed assonance to evoke emotional responses.
  • It enhances the memorability of phrases, making them stick in readers' minds.

Music

  • Song lyrics often use assonance to create a lyrical flow and emotional depth.
  • Musicians might choose words with assonant qualities to improve the singability of their lyrics.
  • The repetition of vowel sounds can create an engaging listener experience, similar to melody.

Phonetics

  • Focuses primarily on vowel sounds, as opposed to consonants, which are less impactful in this context.
  • Can be a deliberate stylistic choice to distinguish between similar words or phrases in a verse.
  • Plays a key role in various languages, impacting how poetry is structured and appreciated.

Psychology

  • Research shows that lyrical and poetic structures can enhance cognitive processing in listeners.
  • The pleasant sound patterns created by assonance can evoke feelings of harmony and aesthetics.
  • Listeners may subconsciously prefer works that utilize this technique due to its rhythmic nature.

Origin of 'assonant'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'assonare', which means 'to sound together'.
  • First used in English literature during the Renaissance, highlighting the importance of sound in poetry.
  • Related to 'dissonance', which refers to sounds that clash instead of harmonize.

The term 'assonant' finds its etymological roots in Latin, emerging from 'assonare,' which translates to 'to sound together.' In the context of language, assonance became a recognized term in the early 20th century, primarily within the fields of phonetics and poetry. It describes the similarity of vowel sounds within a particular phrase or sentence, differentiating it from other phonetic devices. As a concept, assonance holds importance in creating rhythm and musicality in various forms of literature, particularly poetry and song lyrics. The evolution of the term reflects a growing appreciation of sound patterns and their expressive capabilities in language. Over time, assonance has been analyzed and utilized by poets and writers aiming to evoke emotions and enhance the auditory experience of their work.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,860, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.