consonance

/ˈkɒn.sə.nəns/
agreement of sounds

The poem's consonance made it pleasant to read aloud.

The repetition of similar sounds in the poem created a harmonious rhythm.


technical

A harmonious combination of sounds or musical notes

The composer used consonance to create a soothing melody.

The smooth blending of notes produced a calming effect.

In music theory, consonance refers to sounds that are stable and pleasant when played together.

formal

Agreement or compatibility between opinions or actions

There was a pleasing consonance between the team's goals and the company's mission.

The alignment of the team's objectives with the company's values was evident.

Often used in contexts like philosophy, ethics, or organizational alignment.

technical

The repetition of consonant sounds in close proximity in writing

The poet employed consonance in phrases like 'pitter patter' to enhance rhythm.

The repeated 't' and 'p' sounds created a tactile, rhythmic effect.

A literary device used to create musicality or emphasis in prose or poetry.

Pro Tip

Memory Tip

Associate 'consonance' with 'consonants' in language and 'consonant' chords in music—both involve repetition and harmony.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

The meaning of 'consonance' shifts between music, literature, and general agreement. Always check the context.

Word Origin

From Old French 'consonance' (14th century), from Latin 'consonantia' meaning 'agreement', from 'consonare' ('to sound together'), from 'con-' ('with') + 'sonare' ('to sound').

Usage Notes

Consonance is often contrasted with dissonance in music and literature. In everyday language, it may imply a pleasing or logical alignment of ideas.

Word Breakdown

con-
with, together
prefix
+
-son-
sound
root
+
-ance
state or quality of
suffix
English Dictionary