consonant
consonant Lexical Profile
consonant Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A basic speech sound articulated with complete or partial closure of the vocal tract, obstructing the breath flow, as opposed to an open vowel sound.
"Young learners often practice pronouncing voiced and voiceless consonants at the beginning of simple words."
A letter of the alphabet that represents a consonant speech sound (such as b, c, d, f, or g in English).
"Before adding the suffix to a short-vowel word ending in a single consonant, you usually double the final letter."
• adjective
In agreement, harmony, or accord with something else; consistent or compatible.
"The committee ensured that the new environmental regulations were fully consonant with international standards."
Producing a pleasing, stable, and resolved combination of musical tones without harsh tension (of a musical interval or chord).
"The composer concluded the piece with a bright, consonant major chord that brought a sense of resolution."
Relating to, consisting of, or exhibiting the repetition of identical or similar consonant sounds in words.
"The poet used consonant rhymes at the end of each stanza to create a subtle rhythmic echo."
Word Nuance & Usage
When used as an adjective meaning 'in agreement or harmony,' 'consonant' is typically followed by the preposition 'with' (e.g., 'policies consonant with the law').
• Rhymes for consonant
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Old French 'consonant', from Latin 'consonantem' (present participle of 'consonare', meaning 'to sound together' or 'to agree'), formed from 'com-' ('with, together') and 'sonare' ('to sound'); in ancient phonetics, consonants were thought to produce sound only in combination with a vowel.