Words That Start With The Same Letter Are Called

Words That Start With the Same Letter: Alliteration, Assonance, and More

Words that start with the same letter are a fascinating linguistic phenomenon, impacting everything from poetry and advertising slogans to memorable brand names and everyday conversations. While the most common term associated with this phenomenon is alliteration, it's crucial to understand that several related, yet distinct, concepts contribute to this powerful effect. This comprehensive guide will delve into the nuances of alliteration, assonance, and consonance, exploring their impact on language and providing examples to solidify your understanding.

Understanding Alliteration: The Foundation

Alliteration is a literary device where two or more words in a phrase or sentence begin with the same sound, typically a consonant. This repetition creates a musicality and memorable quality, making the phrase more engaging and impactful. Think of tongue twisters like "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers"—the repeated "P" sound makes it challenging yet fun to say.

Key Characteristics of Alliteration:

• Emphasis on Initial Consonant Sounds: The focus is on the sound at the beginning of the word, not necessarily the letter itself. For instance, "knight" and "know" would alliterate because they share the /n/ sound, even though their spellings differ.
• Impact on Rhythm and Flow: The repetition of sounds creates a rhythmic pattern that enhances the flow and memorability of the phrase.
• Creation of Emphasis and Association: By repeating sounds, alliteration draws attention to specific words and creates a sense of connection between them.

Examples of Alliteration in Different Contexts:

• Literature: "The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew, the furrow followed free." (Coleridge)
• Advertising: "Always Amazing Amazon" (The repeated 'A' sound creates an engaging rhythm)
• Brand Names: "Coca-Cola" (The repetition of the 'C' sound contributes to its memorable quality)
• Everyday Speech: "Busy as a bee" (common expression with alliteration)

Types of Alliteration: Beyond the Basics

While the basic definition focuses on the initial consonant sounds, alliteration can be more complex and nuanced. Consider these variations:

• Initial Alliteration: The most common type, focusing on the initial consonant sound of words.
• Internal Alliteration: This involves the repetition of consonant sounds within words, as seen in "a slippery slope."
• Consonantal Alliteration: Focuses solely on consonant sounds.
• Vocalic Alliteration: Although less common, this involves the repetition of vowel sounds at the beginning of words (often considered assonance).

Assonance: The Harmony of Vowel Sounds

While alliteration centers on consonant sounds, assonance involves the repetition of vowel sounds within words, regardless of their initial consonant. This repetition creates a sense of musicality and internal rhyme, adding to the aesthetic quality of the text.

Key Characteristics of Assonance:

• Emphasis on Vowel Sounds: The focus is solely on the vowel sounds, irrespective of the consonants.
• Creation of Internal Rhyme: Assonance often creates a subtle rhyming effect within a phrase or sentence.
• Impact on Mood and Tone: The repeated vowel sounds can influence the overall mood and tone, creating a feeling of lightness, melancholy, or urgency.

Examples of Assonance:

• Poetry: "Go and moonlight with in a willow island." (Shelley)
• Advertising: "Hear the sweet sound of summer." (Repeated long 'e' sound)
• Music: Many song lyrics utilize assonance to enhance their musical quality.

Consonance: Echoes of Consonant Sounds

Consonance, similar to alliteration, focuses on the repetition of consonant sounds. However, unlike alliteration, consonance does not require the repeated consonants to be at the beginning of words. It can involve the repetition of consonant sounds anywhere within the words, creating a sense of rhythm and internal rhyme.

Key Characteristics of Consonance:

• Repetition of Consonant Sounds: The focus is on the repetition of consonant sounds, regardless of their position in the word.
• Creation of Internal Rhyme: Consonance contributes to a sense of internal rhyme and a more musical quality.
• Impact on Texture and Sound: The use of consonance adds texture and interest to the auditory experience of the text.

Examples of Consonance:

• Poetry: "All mammals named Sam are clammy." (The repetition of the "m" sound)
• Prose: "The silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain" (Poe)

The Interplay of Alliteration, Assonance, and Consonance

These three literary devices often work together to create a powerful and memorable effect. Their combined use enhances the musicality, rhythm, and memorability of language. Consider this example:

"The sun shines sweetly on the sea, the gentle waves mellow, mellow, mellow the sand."

This sentence uses alliteration (repeated 's' and 'm' sounds) and assonance (repetition of the 'e' sound) to create a serene and melodious effect. The interplay of these devices adds depth and complexity to the sentence.

Practical Applications: Harnessing the Power of Sound Repetition

Understanding alliteration, assonance, and consonance can significantly improve your writing and communication skills. Here are some practical applications:

• Creative Writing: Use these devices to enhance the rhythm, flow, and memorability of your poems, stories, and scripts.
• Marketing and Advertising: Craft catchy slogans and brand names that utilize the power of sound repetition to grab attention and create memorable impressions.
• Public Speaking: Incorporate these techniques to make your speeches more engaging and persuasive.
• Songwriting: Enhance the musicality and emotional impact of your lyrics by incorporating these elements.
• Memorable Phrases: Use this techniques to easily memorize information.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Further Nuances

The study of alliteration, assonance, and consonance extends beyond their simple definitions. Consider these advanced concepts:

• Anaphora: The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. While not strictly a form of sound repetition, it shares a similar effect of emphasis and memorability.
• Epizeuxis: The successive repetition of a word or phrase for emphasis.
• Polyptoton: The repetition of a word in different forms (e.g., noun, verb, adjective).

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Sound

Words that start with the same letter, whether through alliteration, assonance, or consonance, offer a powerful tool for enhancing the impact and memorability of language. By understanding the nuances of these literary devices, you can improve your writing, communication, and creative expression, leaving a lasting impression on your audience. The skillful use of these techniques demonstrates a mastery of language, adding a layer of artistry and sophistication to your work. Experiment with these techniques and discover the surprising power of sound in shaping meaning and creating a lasting impression.