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How to Pronounce rhyme vs rime

Key Pronunciation Contrast

"rhyme" and "rime" are exact English homophones with 100% identical phonetic pronunciation (⁄raɪm⁄). They share the exact same sound from start to finish but differ in spelling, origin, and meaning.

rhyme

⁄raɪm⁄

Syllables

RHYME

Definition:

Rhyming verse (poetic form).

“Many editors say they don’t want stories written in rhyme these days.”

rime

⁄raɪm⁄

Syllables

RIME

Definition:

Archaic in the form rimes: originally, any frozen dew forming a white deposit on exposed surfaces; hoar frost (sense 1).

“In a Hoar-Froſt, that vvhich vve call a Rime, is a Multitude of Quadrangular Priſmes, exactly figured, but piled vvithout any Order, one over another.”

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Frequently Asked Questions: rhyme vs rime

What is the difference in pronunciation between "rhyme" and "rime"?

"rhyme" and "rime" are exact English homophones with 100% identical phonetic pronunciation (⁄raɪm⁄). They share the exact same sound from start to finish but differ in spelling, origin, and meaning.

Where does the syllable stress fall in "rhyme" vs "rime"?

"rhyme" has 1 syllable(s) (rhyme) with stress on "RHYME". "rime" has 1 syllable(s) (rime) with stress on "RIME".

Why do English learners often confuse "rhyme" and "rime"?

These words share similar consonant frameworks and vowel lengths, making them difficult for non-native speakers to distinguish without back-to-back ear training.

What are example sentences for "rhyme" and "rime"?

Example for "rhyme": "Many editors say they don’t want stories written in rhyme these days." Example for "rime": "In a Hoar-Froſt, that vvhich vve call a Rime, is a Multitude of Quadrangular Priſmes, exactly figured, but piled vvithout any Order, one over another."