Definition of consonant
1 : being in agreement or harmony : free from elements making for discord The decision was consonant with the company's usual practice.
2 : marked by musical consonances consonant chords
3 : having similar sounds consonant words
4 : relating to or exhibiting consonance : resonant
consonantly
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Examples of consonant in a Sentence
the temples and palaces of ancient Greece are among the most consonant buildings in architectural history
his gentle behavior is consonant with his expressed belief in pacifism
Origin and Etymology of consonant
Middle English, from Latin consonant-, consonans, present participle of consonare to sound together, agree, from com- + sonare to sound — more at sound
First Known Use: 15th century
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
consonant
Definition of consonant
: one of a class of speech sounds (such as \p\, \g\, \n\, \l\, \s\, \r\) characterized by constriction or closure at one or more points in the breath channel; also : a letter representing a consonant —usually used in English of any letter except a, e, i, o, and u
Origin and Etymology of consonant
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin consonant-, consonans, from present participle of consonare —see 1consonant
First Known Use: 14th century
CONSONANT Defined for English Language Learners
consonant
playDefinition of consonant for English Language Learners
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: in agreement with something
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music : in harmony
consonant
Definition of consonant for English Language Learners
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: a speech sound (such as /p/, /d/, or /s/) that is made by partly or completely stopping the flow of air breathed out from the mouth
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: a letter that represents a consonant; especially : any letter of the English alphabet except a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y
CONSONANT Defined for Kids
consonant
playDefinition of consonant for Students
1 : a letter in the English alphabet other than a, e, i, o, or u
2 : a speech sound (as \p\, \n\, or \s\) produced by partly or completely stopping the flow of air breathed out of the mouth
Learn More about consonant
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for consonant Spanish Central: Translation of consonant Nglish: Translation of consonant for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of consonant for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about consonant
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