Diction

Diction is divided into two types: Denotation is the literal meaning of a word. Connotation is the attitudes and feelings associated with a word. CHEESE!

Diction has multiple concerns; register — words being either formal or informal in social context — is foremost. Literary diction analysis reveals how a passage establishes tone and characterization, e.g. a preponderance of verbs relating physical movement suggests an active character, while a preponderance of verbs relating states of mind portrays an introspective character. Diction also has an impact upon word choice and syntax.

Diction comprises eight elements: Phoneme, Syllable, Conjunction, Connective, Noun, Verb, Inflection, and Utterance.

See also

• Orthoepeia
• Elocution
• Register (linguistics)
• Action (philosophy)