Words to Describe Diction

Use adjectives to describe diction. Do not just say they use diction because every writer uses words.

Words to Describe Diction:

Abstract

General, conceptual; opposite of concrete.

Ambiguous

Open to interpretation; lacking obvious meaning.

Archaic

Old-fashioned, rarely used.

Cacophonous Producing a harsh, unpleasant mix of sounds.

Concrete

Specific, clearly definable; opposite of abstract.

Convoluted

Complex, difficult to follow.

Denotative

Contains an exact meaning; not open to interpretation.

Didactic

Instructional; intended to teach.

Elevated

Complex words, creates a superior tone.

Euphemistic Polite substitute for a less polite word; sometimes insincere.

Euphonious

Pleasant sounding; opposite of cacophonous.

Emotional

Expresses emotions.

Figurative

Words illustrate an image or another idea.

Idiomatic

Denotes expressions,that are natural to a native speaker.

Moralistic

Righteous; aims to impose morals.

Ordinary

Common, everyday words.

Passionate

Carrying strong feelings or beliefs.

Pedantic

Scholastic, intended to lecture.

Plain

Clear, obvious.

Poetic

Melodious, imaginative, romantic.

Pretentious

Pompous, arrogant, inflated.

Scholarly

Words specific to a study or field.

Sharp

Harsh, pointed, targeted.

Simple

Clear, short, easy.

Vivid

Animated, full of life.

Vulgar Tasteless, coarse, offensive.