Alliterating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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alliterating

[ษ™หˆlษชtษ™หŒreษชtษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

literary technique

Alliterating refers to the repetition of the same consonant sounds at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. This stylistic device is often used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, enhance mood, or emphasize particular ideas. It can also serve to make phrases more memorable and engaging. Writers employ alliteration to draw attention to certain phrases or to create a pleasing auditory quality in their writing.

Synonyms

consonance, repetition, sound pattern.

Examples of usage

  • Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
  • She sells sea shells by the sea shore.
  • Betty Botter bought some butter.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Alliteration is a common technique in poetry, used to create a musical quality and enhance memorability.
  • Famous poets such as Edgar Allan Poe built suspense and mood through their use of alliterating phrases.
  • Children's literature, like Dr. Seuss's books, often employs alliteration to engage young readers.

Speech and Communication

  • Alliteration can enhance persuasive speech, making slogans or key phrases more memorable.
  • Politicians and marketers often use alliteration to create catchy phrases that stick in people's minds.
  • It aids in language development for young children, helping them recognize phonetic patterns.

Pop Culture

  • Many animated shows use alliterating character names, such as 'Mickey Mouse' or 'Scooby-Doo,' for fun and easy recall.
  • Catchy song lyrics often incorporate alliteration to create rhythm and attract attention.
  • Social media challenges sometimes involve creating alliterative phrases or sentences for entertainment.

Cognitive Science

  • Using alliteration can enhance memory retention, making information easier to recall.
  • Cognitive studies show that alliterated phrases are often perceived as more pleasant and appealing.
  • Alliteration may stimulate neural pathways linked to sound processing, aiding in language skills development.

Origin of 'alliterating'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'aliterare,' meaning 'to put in order' or 'to alter.'
  • It has roots in 16th-century poetry, where writers used it to enhance rhythm and musicality.
  • The prefix 'al-' is derived from Proto-Indo-European, suggesting 'to' or 'toward.'

The term 'alliteration' comes from the Latin word 'alliteratio', which is derived from 'ad' meaning 'to' and 'littera' meaning 'letter'. It entered the English language in the late 15th century, originally used to refer to the stylistic use of words beginning with the same sound. Alliteration has been used in literature for centuries, notably in Old English poetry, where the repetition of sounds played an essential role in structure and rhythm. Over time, alliteration has evolved and been adopted in various forms of writing and speech, becoming a common literary device in both ancient and modern texts. It is widely recognized not only in poetry but also in brand names, slogans and children's literature as a way to create catchy and memorable phrases.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,661, 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.