Choosing the Right Words Diction and Connotations Sharon Elin / CCPS Online revised 2012

Think of words as superheroes.

They appear ordinary most of the time, but they have hidden powers. Think of words as superheroes.

What is Diction?

The selection of the most precise words and phrases that express a message correctly, clearly, and effectively.

Diction includes…

Grammar

Diction includes… Grammar Vocabulary

Diction includes… Grammar Vocabulary Sounds of words

Diction includes… Grammar Vocabulary Sounds of words Tones or attitudes of words

Diction includes… Grammar Vocabulary Sounds of words Tones or attitudes of words Meanings of words

Diction includes making choices, such as …

Active or Passive

Diction includes making choices, such as … Active or Passive Slang or Standard

Diction includes making choices, such as … Active or Passive Slang or Standard Formal or Casual

Diction includes making choices, such as … Active or Passive Slang or Standard Formal or Casual Simple or Complex

Diction includes making choices, such as … Active or Passive Slang or Standard Formal or Casual Simple or Complex Abstract or Concrete

Diction includes making choices, such as … Active or Passive Slang or Standard Formal or Casual Simple or Complex Abstract or Concrete Connotative or Denotative

Why is diction important?

"Your diction, the exact words you choose and the settings in which you use them, means a great deal to the success of your writing…”

Why is diction important? "Your diction, the exact words you choose and the settings in which you use them, means a great deal to the success of your writing…” “While your language should be appropriate to the situation, that generally still leaves plenty of room for variety…”

Why is diction important? "Your diction, the exact words you choose and the settings in which you use them, means a great deal to the success of your writing…” “While your language should be appropriate to the situation, that generally still leaves plenty of room for variety…” “Skillful writers mix words to administer a series of small but telling surprises...”

Why is diction important? "Your diction, the exact words you choose and the settings in which you use them, means a great deal to the success of your writing…” “While your language should be appropriate to the situation, that generally still leaves plenty of room for variety…” “Skillful writers mix words to administer a series of small but telling surprises...” “Readers stay interested because they don't know exactly what's coming next.” (Joe Glaser, Understanding Style: Practical Ways to Improve Your Writing. Oxford Univ. Press, 1999)

Expand your vocabulary to improve your diction

Just as skilled artists need a palette of many colors, writers need a wide variety of words …

… and writers need to harness the power of certain words to influence readers in subtle, but powerful ways.

Connotation vs. Denotation

Connotations

In the following examples, notice how synonyms have slightly different meanings, revealing a variety of connotations.

Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer.

She might be called informed. Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer.

She might be called confident. Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer.

She might be called conceited. Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer.

informed confident conceited Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer. Which of these words has a neutral connotation and merely states a fact, without opinions or judgment?

informed Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer. Which of these words has a neutral connotation and merely states a fact, without opinions or judgment?

informed confident conceited Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer. Which of these words has a positive connotation and could be considered a compliment?

confident Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer. Which of these words has a positive connotation and could be considered a compliment?

informed confident conceited Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer. Which of these words has a negative connotation and could be taken as criticism?

conceited Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer. Which of these words has a negative connotation and could be taken as criticism?

Which word connotes comfort and security? Home, House, or Residence?

Which word connotes comfort and security? Home, House, or Residence? Home

Which word connotes a formal or legal tone? Home, House, or Residence?

Which word connotes a formal or legal tone? Home, House, or Residence? Residence

Which word connotes an impersonal structure? Home, House, or Residence?

Which word connotes an impersonal structure? Home, House, or Residence? House

Which word has no connotation and simply denotes a neutral description? Thin, Skinny, Slender, or Scrawny?

Which word has no connotation and simply denotes a neutral description? Thin, Skinny, Slender, or Scrawny? Thin

Which word connotes a desirable or admirable trait? Thin, Skinny, Slender, or Scrawny?

Which word connotes a desirable or admirable trait? Thin, Skinny, Slender, or Scrawny? Slender

Which word connotes an extreme insult implying weakness? Thin, Skinny, Slender, or Scrawny?

Which word connotes an extreme insult implying weakness? Thin, Skinny, Slender, or Scrawny? Scrawny

Which word connotes a slight insult about being underweight? Thin, Skinny, Slender, or Scrawny?

Which word connotes a slight insult about being underweight? Thin, Skinny, Slender, or Scrawny? Skinny

Connotations Try it on your own! Here are more examples showing how synonyms describing the same thing can have different meanings. The differences are subtle, yet the words have suggestive, persuasive powers that will influence readers.

lazy or relaxed? Which word has a connotation of criticism?

juicy or greasy? Which word has a tastier connotation?

victim or loser? Which word has a more sympathetic connotation?

Review…

What does this definition refer to? The selection of the most precise words and phrases that express a message correctly, clearly, and effectively.

What does this definition refer to? The selection of the most precise words and phrases that express a message correctly, clearly, and effectively. Diction

Remember the difference?

Pay attention to your diction, Choosing the best words:

Pay attention to your diction, Choosing the best words: grow your vocabulary,

Pay attention to your diction, Choosing the best words: grow your vocabulary, and use the power of connotations

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