consonant
Phonetics.
(in English articulation) a speech sound produced by occluding with or without releasing (p, b; t, d; k, g), diverting (m, n, ng), or obstructing (f, v; s, z, etc.) the flow of air from the lungs (opposed to vowel).
(in a syllable) any sound other than the sound of greatest sonority in the syllable, as b, r, and g in brig (opposed to sonant).: Compare vowel (def. 1b).
(in linguistic function) a concept empirically determined as a phonological element in structural contrast with vowel, as the b of be, the w of we, the y, s, and t of yeast, etc.
a letter that usually represents a consonant sound.
in agreement; agreeable; in accord; consistent (usually followed by to or with): behavior consonant with his character.
corresponding in sound, as words.
harmonious, as sounds.
Music. constituting a consonance.
Physics. noting or pertaining to sounds exhibiting consonance.
Origin of consonant
1Other words for consonant
| 3 | concordant, congruous, conformant |
Opposites for consonant
Other words from consonant
- con·so·nant·like, adjective
- con·so·nant·ly, adverb
- un·con·so·nant, adjective
Words Nearby consonant
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use consonant in a sentence
However, Bottalico notes, that still wouldn’t change the fact that masks stifle consonants more than vowels.
What did you say? Fabric masks can really muffle voices | Sid Perkins | January 20, 2021 | Science News For StudentsThat’s important, says Bottalico, because consonants typically have a higher frequency, or pitch, than vowel sounds.
What did you say? Fabric masks can really muffle voices | Sid Perkins | January 20, 2021 | Science News For StudentsEach word was one syllable and had starting and ending consonants that sandwiched a vowel sound.
What did you say? Fabric masks can really muffle voices | Sid Perkins | January 20, 2021 | Science News For StudentsIn the flow of a news conference, it’s hard to expect him to avoid the occasional misplaced consonant.
In Josh Bell, the Nationals added a big bat. Now Mike Rizzo might search for another. | Jesse Dougherty | December 26, 2020 | Washington PostIt starts with two consonants that you don’t see together too often.
Can You Guess These Words From Their Definitions? | Candice Bradley | July 23, 2020 | Everything After Z
Appeals to “collective will” and the judgment of “history” are not consonant with liberal thought.
Romney's teenage bullying hurts him because it is consonant with his adult record.
It is combined with these consonant elements in order to invite it forward and bring it to a point (figuratively speaking).
Expressive Voice Culture | Jessie Eldridge SouthwickThe most recklessly chivalrous terms are indeed consonant with Sir Edward's character.
King Robert the Bruce | A. F. MurisonThe story seems little consonant with Douglas's warlike intelligence.
King Robert the Bruce | A. F. MurisonTen Brink reads ay for ever, on the ground that ever and never, when followed by a consonant, are dissyllabic in Chaucer.
Chaucer's Works, Volume 1 (of 7) -- Romaunt of the Rose; Minor Poems | Geoffrey ChaucerNo Russian, whose dissonant, consonant name Almost rattles to fragments the trumpet of fame?Postscript.
Newton Forster | Captain Frederick Marryat
British Dictionary definitions for consonant
/ (ˈkɒnsənənt) /
a speech sound or letter of the alphabet other than a vowel; a stop, fricative, or continuant
(postpositive; foll by with or to) consistent; in agreement
harmonious in tone or sound
music characterized by the presence of a consonance
being or relating to a consonant
Origin of consonant
1Derived forms of consonant
- consonantly, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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