Assonance is a literary device in which the same vowel sound repeats within a group of words. It's a technique used in poetry or prose to create rhythm, musicality, and emphasis in writing. According to the Collins dictionary, it’s “the use of the same vowel sound with different consonants or the same consonant with different vowels in successive words or stressed syllables, as in a line of verse.” Meanwhile, Merriam-Webster defines it as “a relatively close juxtaposition of similar sounds, especially of vowels.”

In this article, we'll explore the definition of assonance, its history, and some examples of how it's used in practice.

The Origin and Evolution of the Term “Assonance”

The term "assonance" comes from the Latin word "assonare," which means "to answer with the same sound." It was first used in English in the early 18th century, primarily in reference to poetry and rhetoric. In the 19th century, assonance became more widely used in literature, particularly in the works of poets like Edgar Allan Poe and Emily Dickinson.

Over time, the use of assonance has evolved and expanded. Today, it's not just limited to poetry but can be found in many different forms of writing, from prose to song lyrics to advertising slogans. While the basic definition of assonance has remained the same, writers continue to find new and creative ways to use it in their work.

Assonance Examples

Assonance occurs more frequently in verse than in prose, though writers and poets regularly use this figure of speech. One of the most famous examples of assonance in English poetry is Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven." In it, Poe uses assonance to create a haunting, melodic effect, with repeated vowel sounds like "dreary," "weary," and "bleary." Another example is the tongue twister "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers," which uses both the repeated "ick" sound and the repeated “eh” sound to create a playful, rhythmic effect.

Assonance can also be found in popular music, such as in the lyrics of The Beatles' Eleanor Rigby or David Bowie's Space Oddity. In these songs, similar vowel sounds are repeated to create a cohesive, memorable melody that sticks in the listener's mind. Assonance also plays a noticeable role in slant rhymes, a type of rhyme formed by words with sounds that are similar but not identical. Advertisers take advantage of this effect too, crafting catchy slogans like "The quicker picker upper" for Bounty paper towels.

Examples of Assonance in Everyday Speech

In addition to its use in creative writing, assonance can also be found in everyday speech. Phrases like "mad as a hatter" use repeated vowel sounds to create a memorable, rhythmic effect.

Alliteration/Assonance Differences

Though often confused, assonance and alliteration are distinct sound devices.

Assonance is the repetition of only vowel sounds within nearby words, usually in the middle of syllables, creating a subtle, flowing rhythm.

Alliteration, by contrast, is the repetition of initial sounds—consonant or vowel—at the start of words, producing a more noticeable, punchy effect. While both enhance the musicality of language, they differ in both sound type and placement.

Consonance/Assonance Differences

Assonance and consonance are also closely related literary devices. In both assonance and consonance, the repetition of sound can occur at the beginning, middle, or end of the word. The key difference lies in the type of sound being repeated.

Assonance refers to the repetition of vowel sounds, typically within the stressed syllables of words, creating a smooth, echoing effect. In contrast, consonance involves the repetition of consonant sounds, which can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of words.

While both techniques add musicality and rhythm to writing, assonance produces a softer, more fluid tone, whereas consonance often adds texture or emphasis to the language.

As you can see, assonance is a versatile and effective literary device used in both poetry and prose frequently. Whether you're a poet, a songwriter, an advertiser, or just someone who enjoys playing with language, assonance is a tool that can help you create more engaging, memorable writing. By repeating vowel sounds in a deliberate way, you can add depth, musicality, and emphasis to your work, making it stand out and resonate with readers. ⬥