Consonant
'kɒnsənənt
Definitions
2 meaningsA speech sound (or the letter representing it) that is not a vowel.
'kɒnsənənt
A speech sound or letter representing a sound that is not a vowel.
The word 'blue' starts with a consonant.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to say a letter like 'B' or 'S'. You can't really say them alone, right? You need to add a vowel sound to them, like 'uh' with 'B' to make 'Buh'. Consonants are those letters that need a vowel to make a sound.
👶 For kids: A letter sound that's not a vowel (like a, e, i, o, u).
More Examples
Consonants are essential for forming words.
How It's Used
"The word 'cat' starts with a consonant."
Agreeing; harmonious.
'kɒnsənənt
In agreement or harmony; consistent.
The plan was consonant with his goals.
💡 Simply: Imagine two friends always agreeing and getting along. They're consonant with each other! It's like everything fits together nicely.
👶 For kids: When things go together well.
More Examples
The music was consonant and pleasant to listen to.
Their actions are consonant with their stated values.
How It's Used
"The lawyer's statements were consonant with the evidence."
"Consonant musical intervals are pleasing to the ear."
From Latin *consonans* (sounding together), from *con-*, meaning 'with, together', and *sonans*, the present participle of *sonare* 'to sound'. Originally referred to a letter representing a sound that could not be pronounced alone.
Originally used in classical rhetoric and music, referring to sounds that harmonized well together, but eventually expanded to linguistics.
Memory tip
Think of consonants as the 'helpers' that need a vowel to make a sound.