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Refine your writing! Word choice can be a deal-breaker if your writing is lame and trite. Use connotations to increase your word power!
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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
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
Dictionincludes making
choices, such as …
Dictionincludes making
choices, such as …
Active or Passive
Dictionincludes making
choices, such as …
Active or Passive
Slang or Standard
Dictionincludes making
choices, such as …
Active or Passive
Slang or Standard
Formal or Casual
Dictionincludes making
choices, such as …
Active or Passive
Slang or Standard
Formal or Casual
Simple or Complex
Dictionincludes making
choices, such as …
Active or Passive
Slang or Standard
Formal or Casual
Simple or Complex
Abstract or Concrete
Dictionincludes 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?
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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