Perfect rhymes share the same vowel sound and consonant(s) following that vowel sound, as in “blessing,” “depression,” or “expression.” Near rhymes, also known as slant rhymes, share some, but not all, of these sounds, like “fasten” or “listen.”
Finding words with similar sounds can be valuable for various purposes. In poetry, they create musicality and rhythm, enhancing the aesthetic quality and emotional impact. Songwriters use them to create catchy and memorable lyrics. From a pedagogical perspective, exploring these sound relationships can deepen an understanding of phonology and enhance vocabulary acquisition. Historically, rhyme has played a crucial role in oral traditions, aiding memorization and recitation of long narratives and poems.