We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Linguistics

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is the Difference between Consonance and Assonance?

Jim B.
By
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 20,980
Share

Consonance and assonance are poetic forms that are similar in that they both feature similar sounds being repeated throughout a single line of poetry. The difference between consonance and assonance has to do with the type of repeating sounds found in the line. Assonance occurs when vowel sounds are repeated several times within a line, while consonance features repetitive consonant sounds throughout, usually in the middle or end of words. Using these techniques can help a poet add subconscious meaning to the words of his poem through the effect that the similar sounds have on the reader or listener.

Many people think of poetic devices only in terms of what the words of the poem mean. For example, a poet can use techniques like metaphor or simile to extract more than the literal meaning of the words on the page. There are also devices by which poets can create effects based on the sound of the words in their poems. Two of these devices, consonance and assonance, are achieved through different means but often have the same intent. They are both used to add meaning to the words of the poem from the way they sound when spoken.

One basic difference between the two forms can be found in the sounds with which each device is associated. In the case of assonance, those sounds are rhyming vowel sounds that occur in several words within a line. The words themselves do not necessarily have to rhyme with each other, but the vowel sounds need to be similar. For example, the line, "The rain laid waste to the graves" contains assonance through the repetition of the long "a" vowel sound four times.

By contrast, consonance repeats consonant sounds several times throughout a line. When this occurs at the start of words, as in the phrase "furiously fighting with fists," it is known as a separate technique called alliteration. Consonance exists when consonant sounds are repeated in the middle or at the end of words in a line. One example of consonance would be the line, "In the middle of the puddle he waddled."

There are many ways that poets can use consonance and assonance to add extra dimension to their poetry. The sound of the words can actually emphasize the meaning of the words. In addition, using these techniques in an extreme manner can often add a hint of humor to a poem. No matter the intent, the effect created by the way that the words sound when spoken together is the reason that poets use consonance and assonance so often.

Share
Language & Humanities is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Jim B.
By Jim B.
Freelance writer - Jim Beviglia has made a name for himself by writing for national publications and creating his own successful blog. His passion led to a popular book series, which has gained the attention of fans worldwide. With a background in journalism, Beviglia brings his love for storytelling to his writing career where he engages readers with his unique insights.
Discussion Comments
Jim B.
Jim B.
Freelance writer - Jim Beviglia has made a name for himself by writing for national publications and creating his own...
Learn more
Share
https://www.languagehumanities.org/what-is-the-difference-between-consonance-and-assonance.htm
Copy this link
Language & Humanities, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

Language & Humanities, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.