Eye Rhyme

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noun

Definition

A rhyme in which two words are spelled similarly but pronounced differently.

Example

"Love" and "move" are examples of eye rhyme.

Notes

Words that look like they rhyme but do not when spoken (e.g., love / move).

How to spot Eye Rhyme

When you read a poem, look for patterns that match Eye Rhyme. Note where it appears (line breaks, stanza positions), how often it repeats, and what emotion or emphasis it creates. Try underlining each instance, then ask: what changes if it’s removed?

Common mistakes

A common mistake is confusing Eye Rhyme with nearby concepts listed in ‘See also.’ Always check its defining feature: the formal rule or effect that makes it Eye Rhyme, not just a similar device.

Using Eye Rhyme in analysis

In essays, define Eye Rhyme briefly, cite a short quotation, and explain the *specific* effect on tone, pacing, or imagery. Tie the effect to the poem’s theme rather than describing the device in isolation.

1-minute quiz

Which line uses Eye Rhyme most clearly?

  1. A line that deliberately demonstrates the device’s key feature.
  2. A line that is superficially similar but lacks the defining feature.
  3. A line unrelated to the device.
  4. A paraphrase of the poem’s theme.

Tip: pick the line that shows the device’s defining feature.

Related Definitions

Study Tips

  • Identify this device in poems you read
  • Practice using it in your own writing
  • Compare with related terms
  • Discuss examples with classmates

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