Which term involves the repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words?

Which term involves the repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words?

• A. Hyperbole
• B. Metaphor
• C. Symbolism
• D. Alliteration

Answer: (D)

Repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words is alliteration. This sound pattern adds rhythm and musicality to language, often making phrases memorable or playful, as in “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.” Alliteration focuses on how the words sound, not what they mean. The other terms describe different devices: hyperbole is deliberate exaggeration for emphasis; a metaphor makes a direct comparison by saying one thing is another; symbolism uses objects or images to represent bigger ideas. So the concept being tested here is alliteration, the repetition of the initial consonant sounds in nearby words.

Repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words is alliteration. This sound pattern adds rhythm and musicality to language, often making phrases memorable or playful, as in “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.” Alliteration focuses on how the words sound, not what they mean. The other terms describe different devices: hyperbole is deliberate exaggeration for emphasis; a metaphor makes a direct comparison by saying one thing is another; symbolism uses objects or images to represent bigger ideas. So the concept being tested here is alliteration, the repetition of the initial consonant sounds in nearby words.