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Alliteration: meaning, definitions and examples

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alliteration

 

[ əˌlɪtəˈreɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

literary device

Alliteration is a literary device in which a series of words in a phrase or sentence have the same initial consonant sound. It is often used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, enhance mood, and draw attention to particular phrases. This technique can make phrases more memorable and impactful.

Synonyms

assonance, consonance, repetition.

Examples of usage

  • Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
  • She sells seashells by the seashore.
  • Betty Botter bought some butter.
  • Larry's lizard likes leaping leopards.

Translations

Translations of the word "alliteration" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aliteracão

🇮🇳 आलिटरशन

🇩🇪 Alliteration

🇮🇩 aliterasi

🇺🇦 алітерація

🇵🇱 aliteracja

🇯🇵 頭韻法

🇫🇷 allitération

🇪🇸 aliteración

🇹🇷 aliterasyon

🇰🇷 두운법

🇸🇦 الجناس

🇨🇿 aliterace

🇸🇰 aliterácia

🇨🇳 头韵

🇸🇮 aliteracija

🇮🇸 áhersla

🇰🇿 алитерация

🇬🇪 ალიტერაცია

🇦🇿 aliterasiya

🇲🇽 aliteración

Etymology

The term 'alliteration' comes from the Latin word 'alliteratio', which is derived from 'ad' (to) and 'littera' (letter). This gives it the meaning of 'to the letter' or 'with letters.' This literary device has been used since ancient times, particularly in poetry, to create a musical quality and enhance the emotive power of language. In Old English and Middle English, alliteration was a key element of poetic form. It was notably used in classic works like 'Beowulf' where the repetition of consonant sounds was integral to the structure of the poetry. As literature evolved, so did the use of alliteration, becoming a prevalent feature in modern poetry, prose, advertising, and tongue twisters, showcasing its versatility and effectiveness in the English language.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,167, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.