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Consonance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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consonance

[ˈkɒn.sən.əns ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

musical harmony

Consonance refers to a harmonious combination of sounds that produce a pleasing effect. In music, consonance characterizes a stable and restful quality, often contrastive to dissonance, which evokes tension. It can also apply broadly to language, where consonant sounds create a sense of harmony in poetry and prose. Consonance enhances the beauty of musical compositions and is essential for establishing a sense of resolution within a piece.

Synonyms

accord, agreement, harmony.

Examples of usage

  • The consonance of the chords created a beautiful melody.
  • In poetry, consonance improves the rhythm of the verses.
  • The consonance between the instruments added depth to the performance.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In poetry, consonance refers to the repetition of consonant sounds anywhere in the words, not just at the beginning.
  • Famous poets like Edgar Allan Poe often used consonance to create mood and musicality in their poems.
  • The effect can enhance a poem's rhythm, making it more engaging and memorable for readers.

Music

  • In music, consonance refers to harmonious sounds that are pleasing to the ear, often used to create resolutions in compositions.
  • Triads (three-note chords) are a common example of consonant structures that provide a sense of stability in music.
  • Unlike dissonance, which creates tension, consonance helps resolve musical phrases and can evoke feelings of joy or calm.

Psychology

  • Research shows that consonant sounds tend to be perceived as more pleasant, influencing our emotional reactions to music and poetry.
  • The brain processes consonance differently from dissonance, often favoring the former for feeling safe and relaxed.
  • Harmonious patterns can enhance memory retention, making it easier for listeners to recall information presented in a consonant format.

Pop Culture

  • Modern songwriters use consonance intentionally to create catchy lyrics that stick in listeners' minds.
  • Movies often highlight consonance in soundtracks to evoke certain emotions during key scenes, enhancing the overall experience.
  • Popular songs like 'Hey Jude' by The Beatles utilize consonance in their lyrics to create a memorable and singable chorus.

Origin of 'consonance'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'consonantia', which means 'sounding together'.
  • It has roots in the prefix 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'sonare' meaning 'to sound'.
  • This term started being used in English around the 14th century, primarily in music and literature.

The word 'consonance' originates from the Latin term 'consonantia', which means 'sounding together'. It is built from the prefix 'con-', meaning 'with' or 'together', and 'sonare', meaning 'to sound'. The concept has been present in Western music theory since at least the Middle Ages, where it served to describe the pleasing quality of certain intervals and chords compared to dissonance. In the realm of literature, consonance dates back to poetic traditions, where repeated consonant sounds enhance the lyrical quality of language. Over time, the term has been adopted into various disciplines, reflecting its foundational role in both music and linguistic aesthetics.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,726, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.