Which term involves the repetition of vowel sounds?

Which term involves the repetition of vowel sounds?

• A. Alliteration
• B. Paradox
• C. Equivocation
• D. Assonance

Answer: (D)

Repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words is called assonance. It focuses on the sound of the vowels rather than the consonants at the starts of words, giving a musical, echoing effect that can heighten mood or rhythm in poetry and prose. A classic example is the line “Hear the mellow wedding bells,” where the long e sound repeats across hear, mellow, and bells, creating a soft, unified cadence. This is different from alliteration, which repeats initial consonant sounds, and from paradox or equivocation, which concern meaning and logic rather than sound patterns. Using assonance helps music-like flow without relying on rhyme.

Repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words is called assonance. It focuses on the sound of the vowels rather than the consonants at the starts of words, giving a musical, echoing effect that can heighten mood or rhythm in poetry and prose. A classic example is the line “Hear the mellow wedding bells,” where the long e sound repeats across hear, mellow, and bells, creating a soft, unified cadence. This is different from alliteration, which repeats initial consonant sounds, and from paradox or equivocation, which concern meaning and logic rather than sound patterns. Using assonance helps music-like flow without relying on rhyme.