The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

alliteration

IPA:

Dictionary definition of alliteration

The repetition of the initial sounds of words in a phrase or sentence.
"The alliteration in the phrase 'Fuzzy Furry Fox' creates a playful and cute tone."

Detailed meaning of alliteration

This repetition creates a musical effect and can add emphasis, mood, or rhythm to the words. Alliteration is used in poetry, prose, and songs to create a variety of effects, such as creating a sense of unity, emphasizing a specific word or phrase, or adding a musical element to the text.

The alliteration can be applied to the initial consonants of words, as in "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers", or to the initial vowels as in "Eager elephants eat everything." It can also refer to the repetition of sounds within a word such as "She sells sea shells by the sea shore."

Alliteration is a common device in poetry, where it is used to create a musical quality and to emphasize certain words or ideas. It is also used in advertising and headlines to draw attention to a message and make it more memorable. It can also be used in speech and conversation to create a rhetorical effect.

In general, Alliteration is the repetition of the initial sounds of words in a phrase or sentence, it creates a musical effect, and can add emphasis, mood, or rhythm to the words. It is widely used in poetry, prose, and songs to create a variety of effects and is used as a literary device.

Example sentences containing alliteration

1. The alliteration in the phrase "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers" adds to its playful nature.
2. The alliteration in the poem's title, "Sally Sells Seashells by the Seashore," makes it easy to remember.
3. The alliteration in the book's title, "The Big Bad Wolf," adds a sense of danger and intrigue.
4. The use of alliteration in the slogan "Tasty Treats at the Sweet Shop" emphasizes the deliciousness of the food.
5. The alliteration in the sentence "The black bug bit a big bold bear" adds to the sentence's rhythm and flow.
6. The alliteration in the phrase "She sells sea shells" is a common example used to teach this literary device.

History and etymology of alliteration

The noun 'alliteration' owes its etymology to Latin and Late Latin origins. It can be traced back to the Latin word 'alliteratio,' which is a combination of 'ad,' meaning 'to' or 'towards,' and 'litera,' meaning 'letter' or 'character.' This etymology underscores the essence of alliteration, where the initial sounds or letters of words are repeated intentionally in a phrase or sentence. The term 'alliteration' thus encapsulates the concept of aligning letters or characters in a sequential manner, emphasizing the phonetic harmony and rhythm it brings to language. Over time, this word has become an essential element in poetry, prose, and rhetoric, enriching language through the artful repetition of initial sounds.

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Further usage examples of alliteration

1. The alliteration in the sentence "The silly snake slithered slowly" creates a playful and funny tone.
2. The alliteration in the phrase "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" is used as a pangram, a sentence that contains all letters of the alphabet.
3. The alliteration in the phrase "The fat cat sat on the mat" makes the phrase easy to remember and catchy.
4. The alliteration in the phrase "The green grass grows around the great big grouse" adds to the phrase's rhythm and flow.
5. The alliteration in the phrase "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers" emphasizes the repetition of the letter "p".
6. The tongue twister "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers" is a classic example of alliteration.
7. In poetry, the skillful use of alliteration can create a musical and rhythmic quality in the verses.
8. The phrase "she sells seashells by the seashore" is not only catchy but also an excellent demonstration of alliteration.
9. Writers often employ alliteration to infuse their prose with a sense of unity and rhythm.
10. The speech was not only informative but also engaging, thanks to its clever use of alliteration.
11. Alliteration is a versatile literary device that can add both depth and nuance to the written word.
12. Children's literature frequently utilizes alliteration to captivate young readers and listeners.
13. Effective advertising slogans often rely on the power of alliteration to make them memorable.
14. The teacher encouraged her students to experiment with alliteration in their creative writing assignments.
15. The poet's masterful use of alliteration painted vivid and enchanting mental images for the readers.
16. The clever alliteration in the story's title added a whimsical touch to the narrative.
17. The headline's tongue-in-cheek alliteration cleverly drew readers' attention to the humorous article.
18. The speech's powerful and persuasive message was heightened by the strategic use of alliteration.
19. In the world of marketing, memorable brand slogans frequently incorporate alliteration for brand recognition.
20. Alliteration possesses the unique ability to transform ordinary phrases into unforgettable linguistic experiences.