Diction

Goals

1. To understand that words have both a denotative and connotative meaning
2. To avoid abstract diction in favor of concrete diction
3. To avoid general diction in favor of specific diction
4. To increase vocabulary and vocabulary retention
5. To demonstrate an appreciation of diction through personal writing

Denotation and Connotation

• Denotation refers to the dictionary definition of a word.
• Connotation refers to the associated meanings of a word as well as the feelings or images that the word evokes for a reader.
• Example:
  
  
  • Mary __________ the ball to the catcher.
    Threw, Tossed, Hurled, Pitched
    
    
• All of the words above have similar meanings, but each word paints a slightly different picture for the reader.

 

Abstract and Concrete Diction

Abstract diction refers to words that do not appeal imaginatively to the reader's senses. Abstract words create no "mental picture" or any other imagined sensations for readers. Abstract words include words such as Love, Hate, Temptation, Peace, Seclusion, and Alienation. Can you think of other abstract words?

Concrete diction refers to words that stimulate some kind of sensory response in the reader. As you read the words, you can imaginatively use your senses to experience what the words represent. Concrete words include words such as Computer, Candy Bar, Jump Rope, and Sunlight. Can you think of other concrete words?

Example:

Try to create a mental picture of "Love." Do you picture a couple holding hands, a child hugging his mother, or roses and Valentine's Day cards?

These are not "Love." Instead, they are concrete objects you associate with love. General and Specific Diction As a writer, you should attempt to employ specific diction in order to make your meaning clear to the reader.

Example:

• General Diction
  • She walked into the restaurant.
• Specific Diction
  • What elements of this sentence might you change in order to be more specific?
• BETTER...
  • Mary staggered into Denny's.
  • Mary waddled into Oink's Gourmet Bar-B-Que.
  • Mary slinked into Uptown Bar & Grill. 
  • Mary pranced into Taco Bell.

Words are like a box of crayons. Think about names of colors in a Crayola box… Kids choose colors to reflect the mood or feeling they want to create in their artwork. Certain shades of colors evoke different feelings and emotions.

Similarly, words have shadings of meaning. Like an artist choosing a particular color, a writer chooses particular words. The words are not haphazard or random, but chosen carefully, full of connotative meaning.

 

Review

• Diction means word choice.
• Pay attention to the different shadings that a word may have. One word can alter a sentence dramatically. As a writer, you should cultivate a love of words.
• The more words you know, the more specific you can be.