Alliterated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ถ
alliterated
[ษหlษชtษreษชtษชd ]
Definition
language devices
Alliterated describes the use of alliteration, which is the repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a series of words or phrases. This literary device is often used to create rhythm, enhance musicality, or draw attention to certain phrases. Alliteration can be found in poetry, prose, and even in everyday speech. It often adds a lyrical quality to the writing and can make phrases more memorable.
Synonyms
consonant-repeating, melodic, repetitive, rhythmic.
Examples of usage
- Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
- She sells seashells by the seashore.
- Sammy the shark swiftly swims south.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Famous works by authors like Edgar Allan Poe employ alliteration to create mood and emphasis in their writing.
- Children's literature often uses this technique to make stories more fun and catchy, helping young readers remember phrases.
Pop Culture
- Alliteration is commonly found in the names of brands and products, like โCoca-Colaโ and โBest Buyโ, making them easier to remember.
- Many tongue twisters rely heavily on alliteration, such as โPeter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppersโ.
Psychology
- Cognitive studies suggest that alliteration aids memory retention, making phrases easier to recall.
- Alliterative phrases can draw attention and make information more engaging, which is why they're favored in speeches and advertising.
Linguistics
- Linguists study alliterative patterns to understand phonetics and sound symbolism in different languages.
- This technique is identified as a literary device prevalent in oral traditions, helping storytellers maintain audience interest.
Origin of 'alliterated'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin word 'adliterare', meaning 'to letter to' or 'to begin with a letter'.
- Its use in poetry can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it added rhythm and musicality to verses.
The term 'alliteration' originates from the Latin word 'alliteratio', which means 'the repetition of letters'. This, in turn, is derived from the word 'ad' ('to') and 'litera' ('letter'). The concept of alliteration has been present in language for centuries, with examples found in Old English, medieval poetry, and ancient Greek literature. Alliteration has been employed not only as a poetic device but also as a mnemonic technique in oral traditions. It was particularly prominent in Anglo-Saxon poetry, where it was a defining feature, often used to emphasize mood and enhance sound. Over time, this linguistic device was adopted and adapted across various cultures and literary forms, reinforcing its significance in both spoken and written language. Today, alliteration is utilized by poets, authors, and advertisers to create catchy phrases and evoke specific feelings or images.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #42,238, 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.