consonant(s)
|con/so/nant|
🇺🇸
/ˈkɑn.sə.nənt/
🇬🇧
/ˈkɒn.sə.nənt/
(consonant)
non-vowel sound
Etymology
'consonant' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'consonans', where 'con-' meant 'with' and 'sonare' meant 'to sound'.
'consonans' (Latin present participle of 'consonare') passed into Old French and Middle English as 'consonant', becoming the modern English word 'consonant'.
Initially it meant 'sounding together' (literally 'with-sound'); over time it came to denote (1) sounds that are not vowels or involve obstruction of airflow and (2) by extension, things that are 'in agreement' or 'harmonious'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a speech sound produced by partial or complete closure/obstruction of the vocal tract; a non-vowel sound.
The word 'bat' begins with a consonant.
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Noun 2
a letter of the alphabet that represents a consonant sound.
The letter 'b' is a consonant.
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Noun 3
in music, an interval or chord that is harmonious or stable (opposed to dissonant).
The third and the fifth create a consonant harmony in that chord.
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Adjective 1
in agreement or consistent; harmonious.
Her conclusions are consonant with the evidence.
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Last updated: 2025/12/12 12:13