Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Alliterative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽค
Add to dictionary

alliterative

[ษ™หˆlษชtษ™reษชtษชv ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

speech pattern

Alliterative refers to a stylistic literary device in which a series of words in a sentence or phrase begin with the same consonant sound or letter. This technique is often used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, enhance musicality, and promote memorability. It can also serve to emphasize certain words or themes within a text. Alliteration is commonly found in brand names, slogans, and titles, as it can make them more catchy and appealing.

Synonyms

consonance, repetition, rhyme.

Examples of usage

  • Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
  • Silly Sally shooed sheep.
  • Betty Botter bought some butter.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Famous poets like Edgar Allan Poe used alliteration for rhythmic effects and to enhance the musical quality of their verses.
  • In children's literature, alliteration helps with phonetic awareness, making it easier for young readers to engage with texts.
  • Prose writers like Charles Dickens often employed alliterative phrases to create memorable characters or imagery.

Pop Culture

  • Tongue twisters, which often rely on alliterative phrases, have been popularized in movies and TV shows as fun challenges for characters.
  • Brand names often utilize alliteration (like Coca-Cola or Best Buy) to make them catchy and memorable.
  • In modern music, artists often use alliterative lyrics to create catchy hooks that stay in listeners' minds.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that alliterative phrases are easier to remember, tapping into our brainโ€™s preference for patterns and sounds.
  • Using alliteration in advertising can enhance brand recall, as the repetitive sounds create a pleasant auditory experience.
  • Alliteration may aid language learning by reinforcing phonetic patterns, helping speakers recognize and produce sounds more effectively.

Rhetoric

  • Alliteration is a powerful tool in speeches, making phrases more impactful and compelling, as seen in many famous speeches throughout history.
  • Politicians and leaders often employ alliteration in slogans to evoke strong emotional responses from audiences.
  • In everyday communication, using alliterative phrases can make conversations more engaging and enjoyable for listeners.

Origin of 'alliterative'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin 'alliteratio', which means 'to begin again' or 'to repeat', highlighting its focus on sound.
  • This style has roots in many languages, making it a common feature in poetry and speech worldwide.
  • Old English poetry often featured alliteration as a central element before rhyme became popular.

The term 'alliterative' is derived from the word 'alliteration', which comes from the Latin word 'alliteratio', meaning 'to call together'. This Latin word is composed of 'ad-' meaning 'to' or 'toward' and 'litera' meaning 'letter'. Alliteration has been used since ancient times in poetry and oral traditions, where it was employed to create memorable lines and enhance the musical quality of the spoken word. In the Old English epic poem 'Beowulf', for instance, alliterative verse was a prominent feature, showcasing how this technique has persisted through centuries. The popularity of alliteration has continued into modern times, influencing poetry, song lyrics, and literary works across diverse genres.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,389, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.