Diction

Overview 

Diction means your word choice. The words you pick shape clarity (how easy it is to understand), tone (how it sounds), and impact (how it makes readers feel). Small swaps—skinny vs. slim, cheap vs. budget-friendly—can change the mood and meaning. Strong diction is precise, appropriate for the audience, and free of accidental negative vibes.

Denotation vs. Connotation

• Denotation = dictionary meaning. Connotation = the feelings a word carries.

• Pairs: childlike (positive/innocent) vs. childish (negative/immature); slim vs. skinny; used vs. pre-owned.

• Example: I bought a pre-owned laptop (neutral/professional) vs. I bought a used laptop (more casual, sometimes negative).

Formality & Tone (match the situation)

• Casual: My group kinda rushed the lab, it was a mess.

• Neutral/academic: Our group rushed the lab, so our results were inconsistent.

• Formal: Because our group worked hastily, the results lacked reliability. 

Specificity & Precision (name the exact thing)

• Vague: We did stuff to test the water; it was bad.

• Precise: We measured pH and nitrate levels; the water failed safety guidelines.

• Stronger verbs: went → traveled/sprinted/commuted; did → analyzed, assembled, calculated.

Concrete vs. Abstract (show vs. tell)

• Abstract (general): The classroom was distracting.

• Concrete (sensory): The projector buzzed, chairs scraped, and three phones kept vibrating.    

Audience & Purpose (who’s reading?) 

• Text to a friend: That movie was awesome—it scared me to death!

• Review for a publication: The film effectively builds suspense through sound design and pacing.

• Jargon: Okay for experts, but avoid (or define) for general readers. 

Summary 

• Diction = word choice; it shapes clarity, tone, and impact.

• Check connotation, formality, and specificity to avoid mixed messages.

• Balance abstract ideas (for claims) with concrete details (for evidence).

• Always choose words that fit your audience and purpose—that’s how your writing sounds confident and clear.