assonantsism

Assonantsism is a literary and rhetorical device that involves the repetition of vowel sounds within a series of words, often in close proximity. This repetition is not about rhyming words, where the entire ending sound matches, but specifically focuses on the vowel phonemes. The effect of assonantsism can create a musicality or rhythm within a text, contributing to its mood or emphasis.

For instance, the repetition of the long 'e' sound in "The sea meets the green tree" is an example of assonantsism. The repetition of the short 'a' sound in "A cat sat on a mat" also demonstrates this technique. It can be used to link words together subtly, making them more memorable or creating a particular sonic texture.

While often associated with poetry, assonantsism is also found in prose, song lyrics, and even everyday speech. It is a less obvious device than alliteration (repetition of consonant sounds) or rhyme, but its impact on the flow and feel of language can be significant. Writers and poets employ assonantsism to enhance the aesthetic qualities of their work, to guide the reader's ear, and to subtly reinforce thematic elements through sound. The distinction from consonance, which involves the repetition of consonant sounds, is also important in understanding this specific sound device.