Rhyme

A rhyme is the repetition of similar sounds in two or more words, most often at the end of lines in poetry or songs. It is used to create a musical effect, emphasize certain words, and aid in memorization. Rhymes typically involve matching vowel sounds and any following consonant sounds, such as 'cat' and 'hat,' or 'breeze' and 'tease.' The pattern of rhymes (rhyme scheme) contributes significantly to the structure and rhythm of a piece of writing, especially poetry and lyricism. The use of rhyme can also create a sense of unity and cohesion within the text, allowing the text to be easier to listen to. Successful use of rhyme can vary from perfect (identical sound matches) to near (similar sounds).

Rhyme meaning with examples

• In the poem, 'The Raven,' Poe employed a consistent rhyme scheme, which helped create the poem's eerie and hypnotic atmosphere. The repetition of sounds at the end of each stanza, such as 'door' and 'more,' 'floor' and 'before' established a haunting rhythm that drew the reader deeper into the story's mystery and helped create a sense of urgency. The rhymes contributed to a feeling of dread.
• Children often learn their ABCs through rhyming songs, the words 'cat' and 'hat,' and 'bed' and 'red.' The rhythmic, memorable nature of rhymes makes it easier for children to learn and remember information. Rhymes are especially good for helping teach words with similar sounds. The repetitive sounds helps build phonemic awareness.
• The songwriter crafted a catchy chorus using perfect rhymes to create an infectious melody, making the song more accessible and memorable to listeners. Rhymes like 'heart' and 'start,' 'true' and 'you,' or 'high' and 'sky,' or 'rain' and 'pain,' creates an easy flow that makes the song much more memorable to the listeners and creates rhythm in a piece of music.
• Shakespeare's plays are replete with rhymes, especially in his sonnets and comedies. The rhyming couplets (two lines that rhyme) often marked the end of a scene or provided a poignant or humorous conclusion. Examples include 'eyes' and 'surmises,' or 'bright' and 'light,' and 'know' and 'show,' which provide a nice, clear end to the message. The use of rhyme can also add a sense of elegance and sophistication to the language.