As the word "assonant" may not be encountered frequently in daily vocabulary, it's essential to pay attention to its spelling. The phonetic transcription of "assonant" is /əˈsɒn.ənt/. The first syllable is pronounced as a schwa sound, while the second syllable is pronounced as "sawn" sound. The last syllable is pronounced as "ent," similar to the word "enchant." The word assonant refers to the resemblance of the sounds in the vowels of two or more words, used to create a rhyme or a specific beat in music.
adjective: assonant
1. Relating to or characterized by assonance; having a resemblance of vowel sounds between words or syllables.
2. In linguistics, assonant refers to the repetition or similarity of vowel sounds, specifically within words or syllables. This particular phonetic phenomenon contributes to the overall musicality, rhythm, and harmony of a language. Assonance occurs when two or more words in proximity contain similar vowel sounds but differ in their consonants. This auditory effect is employed to create a pleasing or memorable sound pattern, often used in poetry, songs, and literature to evoke emotions or emphasize certain ideas.
3. As a literary device, assonance helps reinforce the tone or mood of a piece, contributes to its flow, and captures the readers' attention. When utilized skillfully, assonant words within a sentence or stanza produce a melodic quality and lend a harmonious cadence to the text. The repetition of similar vowel sounds can evoke sensations ranging from joy, serenity, or a soothing effect to melancholy, mystery, or suspense. By playing with the harmonious quality of assonance, writers can create memorable phrases, lines, or verses that resonate with the audience, as they exploit the natural musicality present in spoken language.
Resembling in sound.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word assonant has its roots in Latin. It derives from the Latin word assonans, which is the present participle of assonare. Assonare is a compound of two Latin words: ad, meaning to, and sonare, meaning to sound. Therefore, assonant can be traced back to the Latin verb assonare, which means to sound together or to make similar sounds.