Types of Diction

Formal Diction

Used in academic, professional, or serious contexts.

· Characteristics: precise, elevated language

· Example: “The results indicate a significant improvement in student performance.”

Informal Diction

Casual, conversational language.

· Example: “The results show students did way better.”

Colloquial Diction

Regionally or culturally specific informal language.

· Characteristics: local expressions

· Example: “That test was a piece of cake.”

Slang

Very informal, often short-lived language used by specific groups.

· Example: “That essay was fire.”

Abstract Diction

Refers to ideas, emotions, or concepts.

· Characteristics: intangible, broad

· Example: “Freedom is essential to democracy.”

Concrete Diction

Refers to physical, sensory details. (sight, smell, sound, touch)

· Characteristics: specific and vivid

· Example: “The cracked wooden desk wobbled under his elbow.”

Denotative Diction

Literal, dictionary definition of words.

· Characteristics: neutral, factual

· Example: “A home is a place where one lives.”

Connotative Diction

Emotional or cultural associations beyond the literal meaning.

· Characteristics: suggests feelings or judgments

· Example: “A home is a sanctuary.”

Technical Diction

Subject-specific or field-specific language.

· Characteristics: precise, specialized

· Example: “The author employs anaphora to emphasize the theme.”

Elevated/ Poetic Diction

Heightened language often used in literature or speeches.

· Characteristics: lyrical, expressive, sometimes symbolic

· Example: “The sun crowned the horizon with fire.”

Neutral Diction

Language that is straightforward and unbiased.

· Characteristics: objective, clear

· Example: “The meeting began at 9:00 a.m.”

Euphemistic Diction

Mild or indirect language used to avoid harshness.

· Example: “He passed away” instead of “He died.”