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Literature vocabulary · Literary Devices and Figures of Speech

Alliteration

Meaning in literature, with examples

/əˌlɪtəˈreɪʃn/nounCommon term

In literature, alliteration means: The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of nearby words, as in 'big bad bear', used for rhythm, emphasis or musical effect.

In Turkish: aliterasyon, ünsüz yinelemesi

How it is used

A favorite sound device in poetry analysis, also common in headlines, brand names and tongue twisters. Old English poetry such as Beowulf is built on alliteration. The repetition of vowel sounds is called assonance.

Example sentences

  1. The alliteration of hard 'k' sounds makes the storm feel violent.

  2. Find the alliteration in the first two lines and describe its effect.

Common collocations

  • use alliteration
  • alliteration and assonance
  • an example of alliteration
  • heavy alliteration
  • rhymeThe repetition of the same or similar sounds at the ends of words, especially at the ends of lines in a poem, as in 'night' and 'light'.
  • rhythmThe pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables, pauses and speed in a line of poetry or prose, which gives it a sense of movement.
  • figure of speechA use of words in a non-literal or unusual way to create a special effect or meaning, such as a metaphor, simile, hyperbole or personification.
  • poetryLiterary writing arranged in lines that uses rhythm, sound, imagery and often rhyme to express feelings and ideas in a concentrated way.

More terms: Literary Devices and Figures of Speech

Practise with graded reading

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