Diction and Connotations

Choosing the Right Words

Sharon Elin / CCPS Online

revised 2012

Think of words as superheroes.

Think of words as superheroes.

They appear ordinary most of the time, but they have hidden powers.

What is Diction?

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

Diction includes

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

Diction includes making choices, such as

Active
or

Passive

Diction includes making choices, such as

Active Slang
or

Passive

or

Standard

Diction includes making choices, such as

Active Slang
or

Passive Casual

or

Standard
or

Formal

Diction includes making choices, such as

Active Slang
or

Passive Casual

or

Standard
or

Formal Simple

or

Complex

Diction includes making choices, such as

Active Slang
or

Passive Casual Concrete

or

Standard
or

Formal Simple Abstract

or

Complex

or

Diction includes making choices, such as

Active Slang
or

Passive Casual Concrete Denotative

or

Standard
or

Formal Simple Abstract

or

Complex
or

or

Connotative

Why is diction important?

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)

improve your diction

vocabulary to

Expand your

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.

Understanding the art of using gives writers a persuasive edge.

Connotation vs. Denotation

Connotation vs. Denotation

- The exact, literal meaning of a word - The unspoken, hidden meaning that gives a word more emotional impact

Connotation vs. Denotation

- The exact, literal meaning of a word
The family sat together in front of a fire.
The or literal interpretation of nearly hot (actual temperature) =

Connotation vs. Denotation

- The unspoken, hidden meaning that gives a word more emotional impact
The family sat together in front of a fire.
The of or figurative interpretation = comforting; friendly (mood/tone)

Connotations
A gives the reader or listener a distinct impression or feeling, calling on emotion rather than fact.
Through their connotations, words set a tone and can reveal hidden opinions, attitudes, or judgments.

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.

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
Which of these words has a neutral connotation and merely states a fact, without opinions or judgment?

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

Which of these words has a neutral connotation and merely states a fact, without opinions or judgment?

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

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

Which of these words has a positive connotation and could be considered a compliment?

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

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

conceited
Which of these words has a negative connotation and could be taken as criticism?

Home, House, or Residence?

Which word connotes comfort and security?

Home, House, or Residence?

Which word connotes comfort and security?

Home

Home, House, or Residence?

Which word connotes a formal or legal tone?

Home, House, or Residence?

Which word connotes a formal or legal tone?

Residence

Home, House, or Residence?

Which word connotes an impersonal structure?

Home, House, or Residence?

Which word connotes an impersonal structure?

House

Thin, Skinny, Slender, or Scrawny?

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

Thin, Skinny, Slender, or Scrawny?

Which word connotes a desirable or admirable trait?

Thin, Skinny, Slender, or Scrawny?

Which word connotes a desirable or admirable trait?

Slender

Thin, Skinny, Slender, or Scrawny?

Which word connotes an extreme insult implying weakness?

Thin, Skinny, Slender, or Scrawny?

Which word connotes an extreme insult implying weakness?

Scrawny

Thin, Skinny, Slender, or Scrawny?

Which word connotes a slight insult about being underweight?

Thin, Skinny, Slender, or Scrawny?

Which word connotes a slight insult about being underweight?

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?

- The exact, literal meaning of a word - The unspoken, hidden meaning that gives a word more emotional impact

Choosing the best words:

Pay attention to your diction,

Choosing the best words:

Pay attention to your diction, grow your vocabulary,

Choosing the best words:

Pay attention to your diction, grow your vocabulary, use the power of connotations
and

Thanks for watching viewing examining considering analyzing exploring!