Other Definitions
alliteration (dict)
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AlliterationAlliteration is one of the stylistic devices (literary technique) in which successive words (more strictly, stressed syllables) begin with the same sound or with the same letter. Alliteration is a frequent tool of poetry but it is also common in prose, particularly short phrases. In prose and particulary in poetry, it contributes to euphony of the passage, lending it a musical air. It is also used sometimes to humorous effect. In the English language, alliteration can be discerned in Old English poetry, and was a central component thereof. Alliterative verse in one form or another is shared by all of the Germanic languages. In the Romantic era, it regained some popularity as the Romantics were interested in making poetry more musical and in representing the ancient heritage of their native languages. Richard Wagner, for instance, used alliteration extensively in his operas. Related to alliteration are assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, and consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds. An example of alliteration: Well-known tongue-twisters such as "Round the rugged rock the ragged rascal ran" or "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers". An example of consonance: Sparkling...Flavorful...Miller High Life (advertising slogan for Miller beer) Examples Literary Examples - "Full in the passage of the vale, above, / A sable, silent, solemn forest stood;" James Thomson, The Castle of Indolence, Canto I, 37-38
- "I should hear him fly with the high fields / And wake to the farm forever fled from the childless land." Dylan Thomas, Fern Hill, II 50-51
- "Weia! Waga! Woge, du Welle, walle zur Wiege! Wagala weia! / Wallala weiala weia!" Richard Wagner
- "Sing a song of sixpence..." Nursery rhyme
Common Examples Alliteration makes for very catchy phrases and is frequently used in modern news headlines, corporate names, literary titles, advertising, buzzwords, and nursery rhymes. Occasionally parents and authors use alliteration in the naming of their children and characters: See Also External links
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