Diction

Connotations, Descriptions, and Precise Language

Diction Review
When we studied TONE in Unit 2, we discussed how a speaker’s tone is established
through…

● Diction--word choice
● Imagery--sensory-rich descriptions
● Details--what the author chooses to leave in and leave out
Diction Review
The impact of the author’s diction choices comes from the connotation of the words
chosen.

Denotation: dictionary definition

Connotation: emotional or cultural associations with a word

Words have both connotative and denotative meanings.

Connotation
Remember this?

All of these words have the same denotative meaning:

Old, ancient, elderly, mature, archaic

Some have human connotations, some have object connotations. Some have positive
connotations, some have negative connotations.
Connotation Practice
1. In your notes, choose one of the following words and create a list of 4 synonyms for
it.
a. Young
b. Thin
c. Smart
2. Then, next to each synonym, write a note explaining the connotation of the word.
Example:
a. Elderly--human word, connotes respect or fragility
b. Mature--human or object word, connotes value or wisdom
Diction Matters
Successful writers are intentional about their choice of diction. They don’t use just any
word, they use the right word to convey their meaning precisely.

Think about how much effort you put into choosing an emoji. That, but with words, is the
level of analysis writers want with diction.
Emoji Diction Round #1
Your mom texts, “where are you???” at midnight.

You respond, “on my way home.”

Your mom responds:

😡…
As precisely as possible, translate your mom’s reply into words.
Emoji Diction Round #2
Your lab report is due tomorrow. Your partner texts you “hey I forgot I have to work
tonight, so…”

You respond, “can you finish your part when you get off work?”

Your partner responds:

😬🤞
As precisely as possible, translate your lab partner’s reply into words.
Emoji Diction Round #3
Your crush texts you, “hey I had fun hanging out last night.”

You respond, “yeah, me too!”

Your crush responds, “do you think I could get your friend’s number?”

What you mean is: “Oh. I’ve completely misinterpreted your intentions. In addition to
being devastated, I’m now deeply concerned about the tension you’ve just injected into
one of my friendships. Excuse me while I go overthink this for the rest of my life.”

Translate your reply into emojis only.

Descriptions
Descriptive words, such as adjectives and adverbs, not only qualify or modify the things
they describe but also convey a perspective towards those things.

Author A & Author B both describe winter in the Midwest. How does each feel about
winter? What diction suggested each perspective? (Annotate in your notes)

Author A writes: The snow glistens on the tree branches and lies pristine white over the
empty fields, drawing the eyes to the horizon.

Author B writes: The icy wind stabbed like tiny shards of glass determined to slice my
exposed face to pieces.