Consonance is a literary device where consonant sounds are repeated within a group of nearby words. Unlike alliteration, which repeats consonant sounds only at the beginning of words, consonance can occur at the beginning, middle, or end of words. The key is the repetition of consonant sounds, not necessarily the repetition of the same letters. For example, the "k" sound is repeated in the phrase "Chris’s backpack was packed with books," even though it's spelled differently in each word (ch, ck, k). Consonance enhances the rhythm, mood, and flow of writing and is often used in poetry, prose, and speeches. It can also contribute to musicality or a catchy effect. It differs from assonance, which involves the repetition of vowel sounds. An example of consonance would be the phrase "He struck the clock with a quick flick," where the "ck" sound repeats. Consonance is related to other literary devices like alliteration and sibilance (repetition of sibilant sounds like s, sh). In summary:

• Repetition of consonant sounds in nearby words
• Can occur at the beginning, middle, or end of words
• Used to add rhythm, mood, and musicality
• Different from alliteration and assonance

Examples include common tongue twisters such as "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers" and "She sells seashells by the seashore." This definition captures the essence of consonance as a sound-based poetic and rhetorical device to enrich language.