Definition of Diction Diction refers to the choice of words and style of

Diction refers to the choice of words and style of expression that an author makes and uses in a work of literature.
expression that an author makes and uses in a work of literature.
Diction can have a great effect on the tone of a piece of literature,
and how readers perceive the characters.
One of the primary things that diction does is establish
whether a work is formal or informal. Choosing more elevated words
will establish a formality to the piece of literature, while
choosing slang will make it informal.
For example, consider the difference between “I am much
obliged to you, sir” and “Thanks a bunch, buddy!”
The former expression of gratitude sounds much more formal than
the latter, and both would sound out of place if used in the wrong
situation.
Common Examples of Diction
We alter our diction all the time depending on the situation we are in.
Different communication styles are necessary at different times. We
would not address a stranger in the same way as a good friend, and
we would not address a boss in that same way as a child. These
different choices are all examples of diction. Some languages have
codified diction to a greater extent. Here are more examples of
different diction choices based on formality:
 “Could you be so kind as to pass me the milk?”
Vs. “Give me that!”
 “I regret to inform you that that is not the case.”
Vs. “You’re wrong!”
 “It is a pleasure to see you again! How are you today?”
Vs. “Hey, what’s up?”
 “I’m a bit upset,” Vs. _________________
 “I would be delighted!” Vs. _______________
 “I’ll do it right away, sir,” Vs. _______________
Denotation vs. Connotation
Denotation refers to the literal meaning of a word, the "dictionary
definition."¨ Denotation is the strict dictionary meaning of a word.
Connotation, on the other hand, refers to the associations that are
connected to a certain word or the emotional suggestions related to
that word. Connotation is the emotional and imaginative association
surrounding a word.
For example, if you look up the word snake in a dictionary, you will
discover that one of its denotative meanings is "any of numerous
scaly, legless, sometimes venomous reptiles having a long, tapering,
cylindrical body and found in most tropical and temperate regions."
Diction can have a great effect on the tone of a piece of literature,
and how readers perceive the characters.
One of the primary things that diction does is establish
whether a work is formal or informal. Choosing more elevated words
will establish a formality to the piece of literature, while
choosing slang will make it informal.
For example, consider the difference between “I am much
obliged to you, sir” and “Thanks a bunch, buddy!”
The former expression of gratitude sounds much more formal than
the latter, and both would sound out of place if used in the wrong
situation.
Common Examples of Diction
We alter our diction all the time depending on the situation we are in.
Different communication styles are necessary at different times. We
would not address a stranger in the same way as a good friend, and
we would not address a boss in that same way as a child. These
different choices are all examples of diction. Some languages have
codified diction to a greater extent. Here are more examples of
different diction choices based on formality:
 “Could you be so kind as to pass me the milk?”
Vs. “Give me that!”
 “I regret to inform you that that is not the case.”
Vs. “You’re wrong!”
 “It is a pleasure to see you again! How are you today?”
Vs. “Hey, what’s up?”
 “I’m a bit upset,” Vs. _________________
 “I would be delighted!” Vs. _______________
 “I’ll do it right away, sir,” Vs. _______________
Denotation vs. Connotation
Denotation refers to the literal meaning of a word, the "dictionary
definition."¨ Denotation is the strict dictionary meaning of a word.
Connotation, on the other hand, refers to the associations that are
connected to a certain word or the emotional suggestions related to
that word. Connotation is the emotional and imaginative association
surrounding a word.
For example, if you look up the word snake in a dictionary, you will
discover that one of its denotative meanings is "any of numerous
scaly, legless, sometimes venomous reptiles having a long, tapering,
cylindrical body and found in most tropical and temperate regions."
The connotations for the word snake could include evil or danger.

The connotations for the word snake could include evil or danger. To see more example of how words with similar denotations can
have positive, neutral or negative connotations, refer to the chart
To see more example of how words with similar denotations can below:
have positive, neutral or negative connotations, refer to the chart
Positive Neutral Negative
Positive Neutral Negative
Connotation Connotation Connotation
Connotation Connotation Connotation
interested questioning nosy
interested questioning nosy
employ use exploit
employ use exploit
thrifty saving stingy
thrifty saving stingy
steadfast tenacious stubborn
steadfast tenacious stubborn
sated filled crammed
sated filled crammed
courageous confident conceited
courageous confident conceited
unique different peculiar
unique different peculiar
meticulous selective picky
meticulous selective picky
vintage old decrepit
vintage old decrepit
elated happy manic
elated happy manic

below:

Definition of Diction DICTION - Word Choice

(Denotation and Connotation)
In argumentative writing, as in an editorial, authors choose their
words carefully in order to best convince the audience of his/her point
of view. They try to pick the most precise words to create the proper
tone for their message. The way they achieve this effect is to write
with words that have attached to them certain denotations and
connotations.
Denotation-Dictionary, literal meaning of words
Connotation-Common associations that people make with words
(positive or negative)
Example Word: Gray
Denotation-Color of any shade between the colors of black and white
Connotation-Negative, Gloom, Sadness, Old Age
Practice Word: Mustang
Denotation-Small, wild horse of the North American Plains
Connotation-Positive, strong, fast, sleek, beautiful
The connotation of the word is why Ford carmakers would choose to
name one of its models “Mustang.”
NEUTRAL, POSITIVE, NEGATIVE CONNOTATION
Denotation is the actual definition of a word. You’ve been looking up
the denotation of words for MANY years now!! But connotation is
different. You may have noticed that some words generate emotions
for you. In that case, you are reacting to a word’s connotative
meaning.
Connotation is the emotion that a word generates in addition to the
actual meaning.
More Examples:
Denotation Connotation
House: A building in which someone lives neutral
Home: A place of warmth, comfort and positive
affection
Shanty: A small, crudely built shack. negative
DICTION - Word Choice
(Denotation and Connotation)
In argumentative writing, as in an editorial, authors choose their
words carefully in order to best convince the audience of his/her point
of view. They try to pick the most precise words to create the proper
tone for their message. The way they achieve this effect is to write
with words that have attached to them certain denotations and
connotations.
Denotation-Dictionary, literal meaning of words
Connotation-Common associations that people make with words
(positive or negative)
Example Word: Gray
Denotation-Color of any shade between the colors of black and white
Connotation-Negative, Gloom, Sadness, Old Age
Practice Word: Mustang
Denotation-Small, wild horse of the North American Plains
Connotation-Positive, strong, fast, sleek, beautiful
The connotation of the word is why Ford carmakers would choose to
name one of its models “Mustang.”
NEUTRAL, POSITIVE, NEGATIVE CONNOTATION
Denotation is the actual definition of a word. You’ve been looking up
the denotation of words for MANY years now!! But connotation is
different. You may have noticed that some words generate emotions
for you. In that case, you are reacting to a word’s connotative
meaning.
Connotation is the emotion that a word generates in addition to the
actual meaning.
More Examples:
Denotation Connotation
House: A building in which someone lives neutral
Home: A place of warmth, comfort and positive
affection
Shanty: A small, crudely built shack. negative