alliterate

[ uh-lit-uh-reyt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used without object)

, al·lit·er·at·ed, al·lit·er·at·ing.

to show alliteration:
In “Round and round the rugged rock the ragged rascal ran,” the “r” alliterates.
to use alliteration:
Swinburne often alliterates.

, al·lit·er·at·ed, al·lit·er·at·ing.

to compose or arrange with alliteration:
He alliterates the “w's” in that line.

alliterate

/ əˈlɪtəˌreɪt /

First recorded in 1810–20; back formation from alliteration

Members of the families in Beowulf which we have reason to think historic bear names which alliterate the one with the other.

Note, that not only do the names alliterate, but the alliteration is perfect.

All consonants alliterate with themselves, though usually sh, sp, and st agree only with the same combination.

April 17, 2024axolotl

[ak-suh-lot-l ]

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