Double rhyme refers to a rhyming pattern where two syllables are matched, with the first being unstressed and the second being stressed. This type of rhyme is also known as "feminine rhyme". The IPA phonetic transcription for "double rhyme" is /dʌbəl raɪm/. The first syllable "dub" is pronounced with a short "u" sound, and the second syllable "ble" is pronounced with a vowel schwa. The stress is on the second syllable "raɪm" which is pronounced with the long "i" sound.
Double rhyme is a type of rhyme that occurs when the final two syllables in a line of poetry or song lyrics, as well as the stressed syllable that precedes them, share the same sound. In other words, both the vowel and consonant sounds are identical in the stressed syllable and the two syllables that follow it. This creates a repetitive and melodic pattern that adds emphasis to the rhyming words, reinforcing their connection and making them more memorable to the listener or reader.
Double rhyme is often used in poetry and music to enhance the rhythm and musicality of the language. It can create a sense of symmetry and balance, as the repetition of sounds brings a pleasing harmony to the words. Double rhyme can be found in various forms of poetry, such as sonnets, ballads, and lyrical verse, and is also frequently employed in songwriting, particularly in musical genres that rely heavily on rhyming schemes and a strong sense of rhythm.
The repetition of sounds in double rhyme can serve different purposes depending on the context. It can add humor, as in limericks, where the unexpected rhyme scheme often leads to comical or nonsensical conclusions. Additionally, double rhyme can lend a sense of elegance and beauty to a poetic work, as the repetitive sounds create a lyrical and melodic quality. Overall, double rhyme is a valuable tool for poets and songwriters, allowing them to enhance the aesthetic and emotional impact of their work through the clever and skillful use of sound repetition.
The word "double" comes from the Latin word "duplus", which means "twofold" or "double". This Latin root is also the basis for words like "duplicate" and "duplicity".
The word "rhyme" originates from the Old French term "rime". It is derived from the Latin word "rhythmus", which in turn comes from the Greek word "rhythmos", meaning "measured motion" or "flow". "Rhythmus" was initially used to describe the flow or beat of poetry, and it later evolved to specifically refer to the recurrence of similar sounds at the end of lines in verse.
Therefore, the term "double rhyme" combines the concept of repetition or duplication (double) with the recurring similarity of sounds (rhyme) in a poetic context.