diction

Diction is the choice and use of words in speech or writing. It covers vocabulary as well as the connotations, precision, and level of formality conveyed by language. Diction works together with syntax, rhythm, and imagery to shape meaning and tone.

Diction can be categorized by register: formal diction uses elevated words and complete sentences; informal diction favors conversational grammar and everyday terms; colloquial diction includes regional speech and slang; technical diction relies on field-specific terms; poetic diction emphasizes figurative language and sound.

The effect of diction is to influence clarity, credibility, and audience response. It can signal social or professional identity, set a mood, or persuade. The same idea can be expressed with different diction to produce different impressions.

Guidelines for selecting diction include considering audience and purpose, choosing precise and concrete terms, balancing denotation with connotation, avoiding unnecessary jargon, and adjusting formality to context. Writers may revise to vary diction for rhythm and emphasis.

Diction is distinct from vocabulary but closely related; vocabulary refers to the words a person knows, while diction refers to how those words are used. In literary and rhetorical analysis, diction is examined for appropriateness, range, and nuance.