Assonance vs. Consonance: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 14, 2023
Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words; consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds at the end or middle of words.
Key Differences
Assonance and consonance are poetic devices that involve repetition of sounds in words. Assonance focuses on repeating vowel sounds within a line or adjacent lines of poetry. This repetition can help to create a rhythm or mood in the poem. Consonance, on the other hand, is about repeating consonant sounds. This can occur at the end, beginning, or middle of words.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 14, 2023
Assonance and consonance both contribute to the sonic quality of a piece of literature. While assonance emphasizes the 'internal' sounds of words, often evoking a particular emotion or setting a tone, consonance leans towards creating a resonance through repeated consonant sounds. Both can be subtle, yet they significantly influence the reader's auditory experience.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 14, 2023
The use of assonance and consonance can be found in both poetry and prose. Assonance might lend a lyrical quality to the text, making it sound more melodic. Consonance, by contrast, can provide a rhythmic beat or cadence, sometimes emphasizing particular words or ideas in the text.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 14, 2023
While assonance and consonance are both about repetition of sounds, they differ in the specific sounds they focus on. Assonance's reliance on vowel sounds can make text sound open or elongated, while consonance's emphasis on consonants can make the language sound sharper or more staccato. Both play crucial roles in shaping the soundscape of a literary piece.
Harlon Moss
Oct 14, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Assonance and Consonance Definitions
Assonance
A resonance of vowels in non-rhyming words.
Hear the mellow wedding bells.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 14, 2023
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Consonance
Recurring similar consonant sounds, not limited to just the beginnings of words.
The pitter-patter of little feet.
Harlon Moss
Oct 14, 2023
Assonance
A poetic device using repeated vowel sounds.
The fleet feet sweep by sleeping geese.
Sara Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
Consonance
The repetition of consonant sounds in words.
She sells sea shells by the sea shore.
Huma Saeed
Oct 14, 2023
Assonance
A repetition of vowel sounds in close words.
The light of the night was bright.
Huma Saeed
Oct 14, 2023
Consonance
A sound device involving repetition of consonant sounds for rhythm or emphasis.
Windy winter nights are the coldest.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 14, 2023
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Assonance
The recurrence of similar sounds in poetry or prose.
The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 14, 2023
Consonance
A poetic technique of sound repetition in middle or end positions of words.
Rustling of leaves; the whispers of trees.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 14, 2023
Consonance
The echoing of consonants within a line or sentence.
Mammals named Sam are clammy.
Harlon Moss
Oct 14, 2023
Assonance
Resemblance of sound, especially of the vowel sounds in words, as in
"that dolphin-torn, that gong-tormented sea" (William Butler Yeats).
Sumera Saeed
Nov 29, 2016
Assonance
The repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds, especially in stressed syllables, with changes in the intervening consonants, as in the phrase tilting at windmills.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 29, 2016
FAQs
Is assonance similar to alliteration?
Yes, but while alliteration involves the repetition of initial consonant sounds, assonance involves vowel sounds.
Harlon Moss
Oct 14, 2023
Why is assonance used?
It is used to create rhythm, establish a mood, and draw attention to certain words or phrases.
Huma Saeed
Oct 14, 2023
What is the purpose of using consonance?
It creates rhythm, aids memorability, and can convey specific emotions or meanings.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 14, 2023
What is assonance?
Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words, typically in a line of poetry.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 14, 2023
Can assonance be found in prose?
Yes, assonance can be found in both prose and poetry.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 14, 2023
Can assonance occur in the middle of words?
Yes, assonance can occur anywhere within words.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 14, 2023
What is an example of assonance?
"Hear the mellow wedding bells" by Edgar Allan Poe.
Sara Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
How does consonance differ from assonance?
Consonance involves repeated consonant sounds, while assonance involves repeated vowel sounds.
Sara Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
Does consonance impact the sound of prose or poetry?
Yes, it can significantly affect the rhythm and aesthetic quality of the text.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 14, 2023
Can assonance be unintentional?
Yes, it can occur naturally without a deliberate attempt.
Harlon Moss
Oct 14, 2023
Is assonance common in specific literary forms?
Yes, it's especially prevalent in poetry, lyrics, and speeches.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 14, 2023
How is consonance different from alliteration?
Alliteration refers to the repetition of initial consonant sounds, while consonance can occur at any position in words.
Janet White
Oct 14, 2023
How do writers choose where to use consonance?
Writers might use consonance to draw attention to specific words, create a rhythm, or evoke a particular mood or emotion.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 14, 2023
Does assonance need to involve adjacent words?
No, the words simply need to be close enough together for the repetition to be noticeable.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 14, 2023
Can consonance appear at the beginning of words?
Typically, no— that is generally considered alliteration.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 14, 2023
Does consonance only occur in poetry?
No, it can be found in prose, poetry, and other forms of text.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 14, 2023
How is assonance different from rhyme?
Rhyme involves the repetition of both vowel and consonant sounds, usually at the end of words, while assonance only involves vowel sounds.
Janet White
Oct 14, 2023
What is consonance?
Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds typically at the end or in the middle of words in close proximity.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 14, 2023
Can consonance be found in everyday language?
Yes, it often appears in common phrases, idioms, and slang.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 14, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
