Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Characterized by alliteration: Describes a word, phrase, or line of poetry that uses the same consonant sound at the beginning of closely connected words, especially on stressed syllables.

Usage

The word "alliterative" is used to describe language, particularly in poetry, prose, or rhetoric, that employs the stylistic device of alliteration. It is a formal, descriptive term often used in literary analysis.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The poet used an alliterative phrase: "the wild wind whistled."
  • Old English epic poems like "Beowulf" are known for their alliterative verse.
  • "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers" is a classic alliterative tongue twister.

Advanced Usage

• "alliterative effect": The impact or auditory quality created by using alliteration.
  • The writer used the alliterative effect to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the description.
• "alliterative pattern": The specific sequence or structure of repeated initial consonant sounds.
  • The poem follows a strict alliterative pattern common in its historical period.

Variants and Related Words

• Alliteration (n): The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.
  • The line is a clear example of alliteration.
• Alliterate (v): To use alliteration; to arrange words so they alliterate.
  • The poet chose to alliterate the key words in the stanza.

Synonyms

• Repetitive (in sound): Involving repetition, specifically of initial sounds.
• Assonant (adj): Having resemblance of sound, though this typically refers to vowel sounds, not consonants.

Antonyms

• Non-alliterative: Not featuring alliteration.
• Prosaic (in this context): Lacking such poetic or rhetorical sound devices.

Adjective

1. having the same consonant at the beginning of each stressed syllable
   • alliterative verse