Consonance: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.