Definition

1. Verb:
   • To use alliteration; to compose or speak using words that begin with the same sound or letter, especially for poetic or rhetorical effect.

Usage

The verb "alliterate" describes the action of employing alliteration. It is typically used in literary, poetic, or rhetorical contexts. It is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object. You describe a writer, poet, or speaker as alliterating.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The poet chose to alliterate heavily in that line, repeating the 's' sound.
  • In the slogan "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers," the author alliterates with the letter 'p'.
  • Good speakers sometimes alliterate to make their phrases more memorable.

Advanced Usage

• "to alliterate with": This phrase is used to specify the consonant or sound being repeated.
  • The word "whisper" alliterates with "wind" because they share the initial 'w' sound.

Variants and Related Words

• Alliteration (n): The stylistic literary device of using a series of words that begin with the same sound.
  • The alliteration in "sweet birds sang" creates a pleasant rhythm.
• Alliterative (adj): Characterized by or using alliteration.
  • The poem has a strong alliterative quality.

Synonyms

• Use alliteration: This is a direct paraphrase of the verb's meaning.

Antonyms

• Avoid alliteration: To deliberately not use words that start with the same sound.

Verb

1. use alliteration as a form of poetry