Perfect rhymes share the same vowel and consonant sounds following the vowel. Examples include bay, day, flay, gray, hay, may, pay, play, pray, say, slay, stay, and way. Near rhymes, also known as slant or half rhymes, share some, but not all, of these sounds, such as neigh or say with an elongated vowel sound.
The ability to identify and utilize rhyming words is a foundational element of poetry and songwriting. It contributes to rhythm, musicality, and memorability. Beyond creative writing, understanding rhyme schemes can enhance language comprehension and phonemic awareness, particularly beneficial for language learners and developing readers. Historically, rhyme has played a crucial role in oral traditions, facilitating the transmission of stories, proverbs, and cultural knowledge across generations.