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Alliteration | Definition

By Kedar N. Sharma

September 24, 2026 6:21 AM

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Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds. The repeated consonants normally occur at the beginning of words or in stressed syllables.

In Anglo-Saxon or Old English poetry, alliteration was used as a rule along with accentual meter. In its broad meaning, alliteration also includes assonance also; in that sense, the repetition of consonant sounds is called consonance and the repetition of vowel sounds is called assonance. Hopkins’ poem “The Windhover” has used alliteration extensively.

Kedar N. Sharma

Kedar N. Sharma is an experienced literary expert and analyst with a postgraduate degree in English Literature. With many years of experience, he specializes in poetry and literary analysis. His strong knowledge of literary terms and critical theory adds depth and value to his contributions to PoemSense.

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