endingrhyme

Ending rhyme, also known as terminal rhyme or final rhyme, is the most common form of rhyme in poetry. It occurs when the last words of two or more lines of verse share the same or similar sounding final syllables. This creates a musicality and structure that is easily recognizable and often used to emphasize ideas or link concepts within a poem. The pattern of ending rhymes in a poem is known as the rhyme scheme, which is typically notated using letters. For example, an AABB rhyme scheme indicates that the first and second lines rhyme, and the third and fourth lines rhyme.

The effectiveness of ending rhyme can vary depending on the context. In some forms of poetry, like sonnets or limericks, a strict rhyme scheme is essential to the form itself. In other styles, ending rhyme might be used more sparingly or even avoided altogether to achieve a different aesthetic. The precise sound that constitutes a rhyme can also be debated, with perfect rhymes involving identical vowel and consonant sounds after the stressed syllable, and slant rhymes (or near rhymes) involving similar but not identical sounds. Ultimately, ending rhyme is a fundamental tool in a poet's arsenal, contributing to the rhythm, memorability, and overall impact of their work.