Choosing theRight 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?

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

VocabularySounds of words

Diction includes…Grammar

VocabularySounds of words

Tones or attitudes of words

Diction includes…Grammar

VocabularySounds of words

Tones or attitudes of wordsMeanings of words

Dictionincludes making

choices, such as …

Dictionincludes making

choices, such as …Active or Passive

Dictionincludes making

choices, such as …Active or PassiveSlang or Standard

Dictionincludes making

choices, such as …Active or PassiveSlang or StandardFormal or Casual

Dictionincludes making

choices, such as …Active or PassiveSlang or StandardFormal or Casual

Simple or Complex

Dictionincludes making

choices, such as …Active or PassiveSlang or StandardFormal or Casual

Simple or ComplexAbstract or Concrete

Dictionincludes making

choices, such as …Active or PassiveSlang or StandardFormal or Casual

Simple or ComplexAbstract or Concrete

Connotative or Denotative

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)

Expand your vocabulary to

improve your diction

Just as skilled artists needa 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 connotations gives

writers a persuasive edge.

Connotation vs. Denotation

Connotation vs. Denotation

Denotation - The exact, literal meaning of a word

Connotation - The unspoken, hidden meaning that gives a word more emotional impact

Connotation vs. Denotation

Denotation - The exact, literal meaning of a word

“The family sat together in front of a warm fire.”

The denotative or literal interpretation of warm = nearly hot (actual temperature)

Connotation vs. Denotation

Connotation - The unspoken, hidden meaning that gives a word more emotional impact

“The family sat together in front of a warm fire.”

The connotative or figurative interpretation of warm = comforting; friendly (mood/tone)

Connotations

• A connotation 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.

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.

informedconfidentconceited

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?

informedconfidentconceited

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?

informedconfidentconceited

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 connotescomfort and security?

Home, House, or Residence?

Which word connotescomfort and security?

Home, House, or Residence?

Home

Which word connotesa formal or legal tone?

Home, House, or Residence?

Which word connotesa formal or legal tone?

Home, House, or Residence?

Residence

Which word connotesan impersonal structure?

Home, House, or Residence?

Which word connotesan impersonal structure?

Home, House, or Residence?

House

Which word has no connotation and simply denotes a

neutral description?

Thin, Skinny,Slender, orScrawny?

Which word has no connotation and simply denotes a

neutral description?

Thin, Skinny,Slender, orScrawny?

Thin

Which word connotes a desirable or

admirable trait?

Thin, Skinny,Slender, orScrawny?

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, orScrawny?

Scrawny

Which word connotes a slight insult about

being underweight?

Thin, Skinny,Slender, orScrawny?

Which word connotes a slight insult about

being underweight?

Thin, Skinny,Slender, orScrawny?

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?

Denotation vs. Connotation

Denotation - The exact, literal meaning of a word

Connotation - The unspoken, hidden meaning that gives a word more emotional impact

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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