Paronomasia
Figures of speechWordplay that brings together similar sounds with different meanings.
Example
The council offered plenty of counsel and very little help.
Paronomasia brings similar-sounding words with different meanings into contact. It is a form of wordplay that can create contrast, humor or a memorable association.
The sound relationship draws attention to the wording itself. In a serious scene it may introduce unintended levity, so its usefulness depends on the speaker and context as well as the verbal resemblance.
In the workshop
Check that the wordplay belongs to the speaker's voice.
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