Eye rhyme meaning

Eye rhyme is a poetic device where words look alike in spelling but sound different in pronunciation.


Eye rhyme definitions

Word backwards eye emyhr
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "eye rhyme" is a noun.
Syllabic division eye - rhyme
Plural The plural of eye rhyme is eye rhymes.
Total letters 8
Vogais (1) e
Consonants (4) y,r,h,m

Eye rhyme, also known as sight rhyme or visual rhyme, is a poetic device in which the spelling of words looks similar or identical, but the pronunciation differs. This form of rhyme is based on the appearance of words rather than their sound.

Origin and History

Eye rhyme has been used in poetry for centuries, dating back to ancient Greek and Latin works. It became especially popular in the Renaissance period, when poets used it to add visual interest to their verses. The term "eye rhyme" was first coined in the 17th century to describe this specific type of rhyme scheme.

Examples of Eye Rhyme

Some common examples of eye rhyme include words like "love" and "move," or "cough" and "bough." Although these words look like they should rhyme based on their spelling, they are pronounced differently, creating a unique poetic effect. It's important to note that the pronunciation of words can vary based on regional dialects and accents.

Function in Poetry

Eye rhyme is often used by poets to create a sense of unity and structure within a poem. It can help tie together different stanzas or lines by visually connecting words that look similar. Eye rhyme also adds an element of surprise and playfulness to the poem, as readers may initially expect certain words to rhyme based on their appearance.

While eye rhyme can be a powerful tool for poets, it is important to use it judiciously. Overusing eye rhyme can make a poem feel forced or artificial, detracting from the overall message. Like any poetic device, eye rhyme should be used thoughtfully and intentionally to enhance the meaning and impact of the work.

In conclusion, eye rhyme is a fascinating poetic device that adds visual interest and complexity to a poem. By playing with the appearance of words, poets can create unique rhyming patterns that engage and intrigue readers. When used effectively, eye rhyme can elevate a poem and make it memorable for audiences.


Eye rhyme Examples

  1. The words "groan" and "moon" form an eye rhyme.
  2. In the poem, "love" and "move" are used as an eye rhyme.
  3. The author cleverly employed "bear" and "wear" as an eye rhyme.
  4. The lines ended with "night" and "sight" to create an eye rhyme.
  5. The stanza featured the words "lake" and "make" in an eye rhyme.
  6. The rhyme scheme included "grave" and "have" as an eye rhyme.
  7. The sonnet concluded with "gone" and "alone" forming an eye rhyme.
  8. The two words "tear" and "hear" worked as an eye rhyme in the verse.
  9. The poet skillfully used "rose" and "close" in an eye rhyme.
  10. The couplet contained the eye rhyme of "night" and "light".


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  • Updated 14/05/2024 - 22:54:07