diction Hear it!

diction Definition

dic·tion (dik′s̸hən)

noun

  1. manner of expression in words; choice of words; wording
  2. manner of speaking or singing; enunciation

Etymology: L dictio, a speaking (in LL, word) < pp. of dicere, to say, orig., point out in words < IE base *deik-, to point out > Gr deiknynai, to prove, Ger zeigen, to show, OE teon, to accuse, tæcan, teach

diction Synonyms

diction

n.

style, expression, wording, phrasing, usage, choice of words, command of language, literary artistry, manner of expression, literary power, locution, rhetoric, fluency, oratory, pronunciation, articulation, enunciation, delivery, elocution, vocabulary, phraseology, verbiage, language, Sprachgefühl (German), lingo*, gift of gab*; see also eloquence 1, speech 2, wording.

diction Usage Examples

Preposition: of

figuration: Throughout the empire, monumental sculptors continued to draw upon the heightened diction of classical figuration.

Converse of object

  • improve: This helps to improve diction, organize what they want to say and focus on the main points of interest.
  • use: The decision to use an archaic diction might thus be thought a central part of Spenser's particularly Protestant poetics.
  • have: The choir had very good diction, which enabled the audience to hear Nancy Bush's words clearly.
  • employ: They may be real, but the diction employed by the author seems to exaggerate and stretch the truth.
  • find: You have prodigious talent, but lack craft - the simple diction found in the sestet, could be used throughout, IMVHO.

Adjective modifier

  • poetic: Poetic diction describes the range of language used in poems.
  • archaic: The decision to use an archaic diction might thus be thought a central part of Spenser's particularly Protestant poetics.
  • clear: Clear diction, not a ' posh voice ' , was what was wanted.
  • perfect: His perfect diction never failed to be commented on.
  • excellent: Bridget's excellent diction was just loud enough to create an ambient echo which rather suited her careful english tones.
  • good: The choir had very good diction, which enabled the audience to hear Nancy Bush's words clearly.