consonant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal. The phonetic sense is academic/linguistic. The 'in harmony' sense is formal/literary.
Quick answer
What does “consonant” mean?
A speech sound produced by obstructing or restricting the airflow in the vocal tract, such as /p/, /t/, /k/, /s/, /m/, /n/.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A speech sound produced by obstructing or restricting the airflow in the vocal tract, such as /p/, /t/, /k/, /s/, /m/, /n/.
1. A letter of the alphabet representing such a sound (e.g., b, c, d, f). 2. (Formal) In agreement or harmony with something; compatible.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The phonetic term is identical. The metaphorical use ('consonant with') is slightly more common in British formal writing.
Connotations
Neutral in linguistics. Positive when used metaphorically (implying harmony).
Frequency
High frequency in linguistic/academic contexts; low frequency in its metaphorical sense in general language.
Grammar
How to Use “consonant” in a Sentence
[be] consonant with [principle/law/view]a consonant of [type/place]the consonant [sound/letter]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “consonant” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The word 'strengths' contains a tricky cluster of consonants.
- His actions were not consonant with his earlier promises.
American English
- English has more consonant sounds than consonant letters.
- The policy must be consonant with federal law.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in 'consonant with our values/policy' in formal reports.
Academic
Very common in linguistics, language studies, and poetry (meter).
Everyday
Common when discussing spelling, reading, or language learning.
Technical
Core term in phonetics, phonology, speech therapy, and linguistics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “consonant”
- Pronouncing the first 'o' as in 'cone' (/oʊ/) instead of /ɒ/ or /ɑː/.
- Using 'consonant' to mean 'constant'.
- Misspelling as 'consanant' or 'consonent'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In English, 'y' can represent both a consonant sound /j/ as in 'yes' and a vowel sound as in 'myth' or 'happy'. It is therefore a semi-vowel.
A consonant letter is a symbol of the alphabet (b, c, d). A consonant sound is the actual speech sound (/b/, /k/, /d/). English spelling often uses one letter for multiple sounds (e.g., 'c' for /k/ in 'cat' and /s/ in 'city').
Yes, in some languages (like Czech with 'krk' meaning 'neck'). In English, words like 'by', 'my', or 'shy' have vowel sounds represented by 'y'. Truly vowelless words are rare, but interjections like 'shh!' or 'psst!' consist mostly of consonants.
Voiced consonants involve vibration of the vocal cords (/b/, /d/, /g/, /v/, /z/). Voiceless consonants do not (/p/, /t/, /k/, /f/, /s/). You can feel the difference by touching your throat while saying 'ssss' (voiceless) versus 'zzzz' (voiced).
A speech sound produced by obstructing or restricting the airflow in the vocal tract, such as /p/, /t/, /k/, /s/, /m/, /n/.
Consonant is usually neutral to formal. the phonetic sense is academic/linguistic. the 'in harmony' sense is formal/literary. in register.
Consonant: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒnsənənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːnsənənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A consonant of truth (rare, literary)”
- “To fall consonant with (archaic)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CONSONANT contains the word 'SONANT' (sounding), but consonants often involve restricting the sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
HARMONY IS AGREEMENT BETWEEN SOUNDS (The metaphorical sense extends from musical harmony to general compatibility).
Practice
Quiz
In its formal, metaphorical sense, 'consonant' is closest in meaning to: