While slant rhyme (also known as near rhyme, half rhyme, or off rhyme) was used by many poets before her, Dickinson utilized it in a particularly striking and distinctive way. She frequently used words that were similar in sound but not perfect rhymes, creating a subtle tension and ambiguity in her poetry. This technique often contributed to the sense of mystery and introspection that characterizes her work.
For example, in her poem "Because I could not stop for Death," she uses the following lines:
> "He kindly stopped for me;
> The Carriage held but just Ourselves and Immortality."
Here, "me" and "Immortality" are slant rhymes, as they share a similar vowel sound but not a perfect consonance.
Dickinson's use of slant rhyme has been analyzed and admired by literary critics for its impact on her poetry's overall tone and meaning. It's considered a signature element of her unique style.