Alliterate: meaning, definitions and examples
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alliterate
[ əˈlɪtəˌreɪt ]
literary technique
To alliterate means to repeat the same consonant sounds at the beginning of words in close proximity to each other. This technique is often used in poetry, prose, and speeches to create rhythm and enhance the musical quality of the language. Alliteration can help emphasize a particular phrase or idea, making it more memorable for the audience. It is a common device in tongue twisters and children’s literature as well.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
- She sells seashells by the seashore.
- Bright blue balloons bounced by.
- A big black bear sat on a big black rug.
Translations
Translations of the word "alliterate" in other languages:
🇵🇹 aliterar
🇮🇳 समानाक्षरता
🇩🇪 Alliteration
🇮🇩 alitera
🇺🇦 алітерація
🇵🇱 aliteracja
🇯🇵 頭韻
🇫🇷 allitération
🇪🇸 aliteración
🇹🇷 aliterasyon
🇰🇷 두운
🇸🇦 التماثل الصوتي
🇨🇿 aliterace
🇸🇰 aliterácia
🇨🇳 头韵
🇸🇮 aliteracija
🇮🇸 alliteration
🇰🇿 алитерация
🇬🇪 ალიტერაცია
🇦🇿 aliterasiya
🇲🇽 aliteración
Etymology
The word 'alliterate' comes from the Latin term 'alliteratus', which is derived from 'ad-' meaning 'to' and 'literare' from 'litera', meaning 'letter'. The concept of alliteration has its roots in ancient oral traditions where it was a key element in storytelling and poetry to create a musical quality. It has been utilized in various cultures around the world, from the alliterative verse of Old English poetry, such as 'Beowulf', to modern literary works. The use of alliteration in languages can enhance the aesthetic appeal and memorability of words, often being employed by poets and writers to engage audiences and add a musical annotation to their literary creations.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #41,409, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.