How do vowel sounds differ from consonant sounds?

Vowel sounds are characterized by a relatively open vocal tract, which allows for a freer flow of air as opposed to consonant sounds, where the airflow is often restricted or obstructed at some point in the vocal tract.

The distinction here lies in how these sounds are produced. Vowels are produced with an open configuration of the vocal tract, meaning there are no significant constrictions that would hinder airflow. This openness enables vowel sounds to resonate and be sustained more easily. For instance, the production of sounds like /a/, /e/, or /o/ involves the shaping of the mouth and positioning of the tongue, but there is minimal blockage of breath, leading to a clear and sustained sound.

In contrast, consonants typically require specific placements or movements of the tongue, lips, or other articulators to create various levels of obstruction. This makes consonants more varied in their sound quality but also less continuous in terms of air passage. Therefore, the correct distinction is that vowel sounds involve less obstruction of air compared to their consonant counterparts, resulting in the essence of what defines them in phonetics.