Diction Terms

word choice

• Denotation

• Diction

• Dialect

• Literal Language

words denoting objects that can be perceived by the senses (actual tangible things)

• Concrete Words

• Epithet

• Colloquialism

• Abstract Words

words denoting intangible concepts like ideas or qualities

• Denotation

• Concrete Words

• Abstract Words

• Formal Diction

language characterized by intellectual vocabulary

• Idiom

• Connotation

• Informal Diction

• Formal Diction

the use of slang or informal diction in speech and writing

• Colloquialism

• Invective

• Onomatopoeia

• Sarcasm

the nonliteral, implied meaning of a word

• Pun

• Connotation

• Denotation

• Portmanteau

language closest to everyday conversation (includes colloquialisms, slang, etc.)

• Informal Diction

• Ambiguity

• Formal Diction

• Jargon

the strict dictionary definition of a word

• Connotation

• Denotation

• Formal Diction

• Dialect

words used in their ordinary meanings

• Tone

• Dialect

• Informal Diction

• Literal Language

words of one syllable

• Pun

• Monosyllabic

• Slang

• Polysyllabic