Alliteration vs. Consonance — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 3, 2024
Alliteration involves the repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words, while consonance repeats consonant sounds anywhere within words in a phrase.
Difference Between Alliteration and Consonance
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Alliteration specifically refers to the repetition of the initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words or syllables. It's often used in poetry and prose to create rhythm and musicality. For example, in the phrase "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers," the repetition of the "P" sound is alliterative. This technique is particularly effective in enhancing the lyrical quality of language. Consonance, on the other hand, involves the repetition of consonant sounds, but these can appear anywhere within the words, not just at the beginning. It is used to create a harmonious echo or emphasize particular ideas. For example, in "He struck a streak of bad luck," the "k" sound repeats at different points within the words. Consonance can be subtler than alliteration and is often used to reinforce the mood or meaning of a text.
While alliteration is usually restricted to the start of words, consonance can occur in the middle or at the end of words, providing a wider range of poetic expression. For instance, alliteration might be used for emphasis in titles or headings, whereas consonance might be used throughout a verse or stanza to weave a consistent sound pattern.
Both alliteration and consonance are tools that poets and writers use to enhance the aesthetic quality of their texts, but they serve slightly different purposes. Alliteration attracts attention to a particular section of text, enhancing its rhythm and making it memorable, while consonance connects words more subtly, enriching the text's sound quality without drawing overt attention to itself.
Alliteration tends to be more conspicuous and is often used in tongue twisters, brand names, and catchy phrases due to its rhythmic and memorable nature. Consonance, being more versatile, is used across various parts of words, lending itself well to crafting longer passages of text that benefit from a unifying sound pattern without overwhelming the reader's ear.
Comparison Chart
Sound Location
Beginning of words
Any part of words
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Purpose
To create rhythm and enhance memorability
To enrich sound quality and emphasize ideas
Usage
Common in headings, phrases, and poetry
Used throughout poetry and prose
Sound Pattern
Constrained to initial consonants
Flexible, involving repeated consonants anywhere
Effect on Audience
Makes text catchy and rhythmic
Subtly reinforces mood and cohesion of the text
Compare with Definitions
Alliteration
Repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words.
The wild wind whipped around the corner.
Consonance
Used to add a lyrical quality to texts without overt emphasis.
He stood on the road and cried.
Alliteration
Frequently used in poetry, brand names, and headlines.
Coca-Cola, Dunkin’ Donuts are examples of alliteration in branding.
Consonance
Enhances the texture of the text by linking words through sound.
Mike likes his new bike.
Alliteration
Enhances memorability of phrases or lines.
Big black bug bit a big black bear.
Consonance
Can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of words.
The stroke of luck broke the bleak streak.
Alliteration
Often used for emphasis and rhythmic effects.
Perfectly prepared pumpkin pie.
Consonance
Repetition of consonant sounds in close proximity within words.
The lumpy, bumpy road.
Alliteration
Aids in creating musicality in language.
She sells sea shells by the sea shore.
Consonance
Contributes to the cohesion and mood of poetry and prose.
The rapid rapping resonated through the room.
Alliteration
In literature, alliteration is the conspicuous repetition of identical initial consonant sounds in successive or closely associated syllables within a group of words, even those spelled differently. As a method of linking words for effect, alliteration is also called head rhyme or initial rhyme.
Consonance
Agreement; harmony; accord.
Alliteration
The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words
The alliteration of ‘sweet birds sang’
Alliterations are clustered in the last few lines
Consonance
Close correspondence of sounds.
Alliteration
The repetition of identical or similar sounds at the beginning of words or in stressed syllables, as in "on scrolls of silver snowy sentences" (Hart Crane). Modern alliteration is predominantly consonantal; certain literary traditions, such as Old English verse, also alliterate using vowel sounds.
Consonance
The repetition of consonants or of a consonant pattern, especially at the ends of words, as in blank and think or strong and string.
Alliteration
The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of two or more words immediately succeeding each other, or at short intervals.
Consonance
(Music) A simultaneous combination of sounds not requiring resolution to another combination of sounds for finality of effect and conventionally regarded as harmonious or pleasing.
Alliteration
The recurrence of the same letter in accented parts of words, as in Anglo-Saxon alliterative meter.
Consonance
(prosody) The repetition of consonant sounds, but not vowels as in assonance.
Alliteration
The repetition of the same letter at the beginning of two or more words immediately succeeding each other, or at short intervals; as in the following lines: -
Behemoth, biggest born of earth, upheavedHis vastness.
Fly o'er waste fens and windy fields.
In a somer seson whan soft was the sonne,I shope me in shroudes as I a shepe were.
Consonance
Harmony; agreement; lack of discordance.
Alliteration
Use of the same consonant at the beginning of each stressed syllable in a line of verse;
Around the rock the ragged rascal ran
Consonance
Accord or agreement of sounds produced simultaneously, as a note with its third, fifth, and eighth.
Consonance
Agreement or congruity; harmony; accord; consistency; suitableness.
The perfect consonancy of our persecuted church to the doctrines of Scripture and antiquity.
The optic nerve responds to the waves with which it is in consonance.
Consonance
Friendship; concord.
By the consonancy of our youth.
Consonance
The repetition of consonants (or consonant patterns) especially at the ends of words
Consonance
The property of sounding harmonious
Common Curiosities
Why might a writer use alliteration over consonance?
A writer might use alliteration to create a memorable, rhythmic effect, especially useful in marketing, poetry, or any form requiring catchy phrasing.
What is the effect of consonance on a reader?
Consonance can give the text a subtle harmony and cohesion, influencing the mood and tone without overtly drawing attention to itself.
Can a text contain both alliteration and consonance?
Yes, many pieces of poetry and prose contain both stylistic devices to enhance their sonic qualities.
What skills does a writer need to effectively use alliteration and consonance?
A writer needs a good sense of rhythm, sound, and language dynamics to effectively use these literary devices to enhance their writing without overwhelming the content.
How does alliteration enhance literary work?
Alliteration helps in creating rhythm, enhancing the musicality of the text, and making passages more memorable and impactful.
Can consonance affect the readability of a text?
Yes, excessive use of consonance can make a text challenging to read, but when used skillfully, it enhances the text's flow and aesthetic appeal.
What are practical examples of alliteration in everyday use?
Alliteration is often seen in brand names, tongue twisters, and slogans to make them catchy and memorable.
Can the use of alliteration and consonance change depending on the audience?
Absolutely, younger audiences might enjoy more rhythmic and memorable alliteration, while more mature audiences might appreciate the subtlety of consonance.
What is the main difference between alliteration and consonance?
Alliteration repeats initial consonant sounds in neighboring words, while consonance can repeat consonants anywhere within words.
Are there specific genres or forms of writing where alliteration and consonance are more effective?
Yes, poetry, children’s literature, advertising, and any form where sound plays a crucial role in audience engagement and message delivery.
Is consonance considered a type of alliteration?
No, while both are forms of repetition, consonance is broader as it involves repeating consonant sounds anywhere in words, not just at the beginning.
How does consonance contribute to the aesthetic of poetry?
Consonance contributes to the auditory quality of poetry by creating internal rhymes and sound links between words, enriching the reader’s experience.
What considerations should a writer make when choosing between alliteration and consonance?
Writers should consider their overall message, the tone they want to set, and the impact they wish to achieve with their audience.
How do alliteration and consonance affect the tone of a text?
Alliteration can make the tone more playful or urgent, depending on the context, while consonance can make it more introspective and harmonious.
What challenges might writers face when incorporating alliteration and consonance?
Balancing these elements without making the text seem forced or overly stylized can be challenging, requiring careful crafting and revision.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
