Writers Choose Words Carefully to Create Specific Effects
Definition
Diction
The specific words an author chooses to use.
- Some words hit hard.
- Others feel soft, vague, abstract, poetic, cold, or emotional.
- Your job is to notice which words stand out and why the writer chose them.
Concrete Diction
Definition
Concrete diction
Concrete diction makes writing feel vivid and emotionally charged.
- Concrete diction refers to words that describe specific, physical things, what you can see, touch, hear, or feel.
- “Smashed” vs “Tapped”
- “Sweat” vs “Tears”
- “Grip” vs “Hold”
- “Stumbled” vs “Walked”
- “Snapped” vs “Broke”
- Each pair means something similar but creates a very different feeling.
- “He snapped the pencil” feels sharp and violent.
- “He broke the pencil” feels slower, more neutral.
Abstract Diction
Definition
Abstract diction
Abstract diction creates tone through ideas, not images.
- Abstract diction refers to words that describe ideas, emotions, or intangible concepts.
- “Freedom” vs “Permission”
- “Pain” vs “Suffering”
- “Love” vs “Attachment”
- “Loss” vs “Change”
