Word Choice: Diction and Connotations

Refine your writing! Word choice can be a deal-breaker if your writing is lame and trite. Use connotations to increase your word power!

1. Choosing t h e Ri g ht W ords Di c tion and Connotations Sharon Elin / CCPS Online revised 2012

2. Think of words as superheroes.

3. They appear ordinary most of the time, but they have hidden powers. Think of words as superheroes.

4. What is Diction ?

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

6. Diction includes…

7. Diction includes… Grammar

8. Diction includes… Grammar Vocabulary

9. Diction includes… Grammar Vocabulary Sounds of words

10. Diction includes… Grammar Vocabulary Sounds of words Tones or attitudes of words

11. Diction includes… Grammar Vocabulary Sounds of words Tones or attitudes of words Meanings of words

12. Diction includes making choices, such as …

13. Diction includes making choices, such as … Active or Passive

14. Diction includes making choices, such as … Active or Passive Slang or Standard

15. Diction includes making choices, such as … Active or Passive Slang or Standard Formal or Casual

16. Diction includes making choices, such as … Active or Passive Slang or Standard Formal or Casual Simple or Complex

17. Diction includes making choices, such as … Active or Passive Slang or Standard Formal or Casual Simple or Complex Abstract or Concrete

18. Diction includes making choices, such as … Active or Passive Slang or Standard Formal or Casual Simple or Complex Abstract or Concrete Connotative or Denotative

19. Why is diction important?

20. 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…”

21. 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 …”

22. 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 ...”

23. 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)

24. Expand your vocabulary to improve your diction

25. Just as skilled artists need a palette of many colors, writers need a wide variety of words …

26. … and writers need to harness the power of certain words to influence readers in subtle, but powerful ways.

27. Understanding the art of using connotations gives writers a persuasive edge.

28. Connotation vs. Denotation

29. Connotation vs. Denotation Denotation - The exact, literal meaning of a word Connotation - The unspoken, hidden meaning that gives a word more emotional impact

30. 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)

31. 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)

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

33. Connotations In the following examples, notice how synonyms have slightly different meanings, revealing a variety of connotations.

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

35. She might be called informed . Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer.

36. She might be called confident . Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer.

37. She might be called conceited . Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer.

38. i nformed c onfident conceited 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?

39. 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?

40. i nformed c onfident conceited 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?

41. 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?

42. i nformed c onfident 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?

43. 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?

44. Which word connotes comfort and security? Home, House, or Residence?

45. Which word connotes comfort and security? Home, House, or Residence? Home

46. Which word connotes a formal or legal tone? Home, House, or Residence?

47. Which word connotes a formal or legal tone? Home, House, or Residence? Residence

48. Which word connotes an impersonal structure? Home, House, or Residence?

49. Which word connotes an impersonal structure? Home, House, or Residence? House

50. Which word has no connotation and simply denotes a neutral description? Thin, Skinny, Slender , or Scrawny ?

51. Which word has no connotation and simply denotes a neutral description? Thin, Skinny , Slender , or Scrawny ? Thin

52. Which word connotes a desirable or admirable trait? Thin, Skinny, Slender , or Scrawny ?

53. Which word connotes a desirable or admirable trait? Thin, Skinny, Slender, or Scrawny? Slender

54. Which word connotes an extreme insult implying weakness? Thin, Skinny, Slender, or Scrawny?

55. Which word connotes an extreme insult implying weakness? Thin, Skinny, Slender , or Scrawny ? Scrawny

56. Which word connotes a slight insult about being underweight? Thin, Skinny, Slender , or Scrawny ?

57. Which word connotes a slight insult about being underweight? Thin, Skinny, Slender , or Scrawny ? Skinny

58. 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.

59. lazy or relaxed? Which word has a connotation of criticism?

60. juicy or greasy? Which word has a tastier connotation?

61. victim or loser ? Which word has a more sympathetic connotation?

62. Review…

63. What does this definition refer to? The selection of the most precise words and phrases that express a message correctly, clearly, and effectively.

64. What does this definition refer to? The selection of the most precise words and phrases that express a message correctly, clearly, and effectively. Diction

65. Remember the difference? Denotation vs. Connotation

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

67. Pay a ttention to your diction, Choosing the best words:

68. Pay a ttention to your diction, Choosing the best words: g row your vocabulary,

69. Pay a ttention to your diction, Choosing the best words: g row your vocabulary, a nd u se the power of connotations

70. Thanks for watching viewing examining considering analyzing exploring!