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”
Example
- 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”
- “Hope” vs “Delusion”
Note
- These words describe what you feel or believe, not what you physically touch.
- “Hope” feels uplifting. “Delusion” feels foolish.
- But both describe someone believing in something that might not happen.
How to Analyze Diction
- Identify a specific word or phrase.
- Determine if it is concrete or abstract.
- Explain the effect it creates.
Tip
- When analyzing diction, consider the connotations of the words.
- How do they make the reader feel?
Diction in Action
“Her footsteps pounded through the hallway.”
- “Pounded” is a concrete, harsh word.
- This suggests urgency, stress, or anger and creates a tense mood.
“The sky was a canvas of shifting colour.”
- “Canvas” is a concrete metaphor.
- It suggests beauty, artistry, softness and creates a calm, visual tone.
“He stood like a towering shadow over the desk.”
- “Towering” is concrete, but also metaphorical
- It suggests height, dominance, power and makes the character feel intimidating.
Self review
- Think about the latest text you got
- How would you analyze the diction there?
