assonant
|as-so-nant|
/ˈæsənənt/
shared vowel sound
Etymology
'assonant' originates from Latin, specifically the verb 'assonare' (formed from the prefix 'ad-' and 'sonare'), where 'ad-' meant 'to' or 'toward' and 'sonare' meant 'to sound'.
'assonant' changed from Old French/Medieval Latin forms (e.g. Old French 'asoner'/'assoner' and Medieval Latin 'assonare') and eventually became the modern English adjective 'assonant'.
Initially it was connected to the idea 'to sound to/with' (making sounds agree); over time it narrowed to the modern sense 'having similarity of vowel sounds' used especially in poetry.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a thing or passage that exhibits assonance; (rare) someone or something that is assonant.
The assonant in the chorus helps make the song memorable.
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Adjective 1
having or characterized by assonance; showing similarity or repetition of vowel sounds (often used of poetry or phraseing).
The poet's lines are assonant, with repeated 'o' sounds that give the stanza a haunting quality.
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Last updated: 2025/11/04 13:22