Meaning & Definition of word "Alliteration"
to
Alliteration
/əˌlɪtəˈreɪʃən/
noun:
- 1. The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.
- Example: The phrase 'Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers' is a classic example of alliteration.
- 2. The repetition of initial consonant sounds in a series of words.
- Example: Alliteration is commonly used in poetry to create rhythm and musicality.
- 3. A literary device used to enhance the aesthetic quality of language.
- Example: In the line 'she sells sea shells by the sea shore,' alliteration emphasizes the 's' sound.
- 4. The use of the same consonant sounds in a sentence or phrase for effect.
- Example: The author employed alliteration in the title, 'Bouncing Baby Balloons,' to catch the reader's attention.
Etymology
From Latin 'alliteratio', from 'ad-' (to) and 'litera' (letter).
Common Phrases and Expressions
Alliteration is key.:
Emphasizes that using alliteration is important in writing.
Alliterative verse.:
A form of poetry that uses alliteration as its principal structuring device.
Tongue twister.:
A phrase that is difficult to articulate clearly, often using alliteration.
Related Words
assonance:
The repetition of vowel sounds within words close to each other.
cacophony:
A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds, often the opposite of the smoothness created by alliteration.
Slang Meanings of alliteration
Meaning: A catchy phrase or title that repeats consonant sounds.
Example Sentence: That brand name has great alliteration; it really sticks!
Meaning: Using alliteration in a conversation to be playful.
Example Sentence: We were just alliterating our words for fun!