Diction Flashcards
Abstract
Word that signifies a general and intangible concept, idea, or condition
ex: freedom, truth, beauty
Function: General terms that leaves interpretation to the reader and personalizes the argument
Archaism
An old fashioned word or expression that is no longer used commonly
Function: Authors may invoke an earlier time period (or poke fun at it)
Concrete
Word that specifies what is tangible or something we can know with one of the five senses
Function: clarity
Connotation
The implied or understood meaning of a word and its association
Denotation
the literal or dictionary definition of a word
Function: Allows for manipulation of meaning according to associations a specific audience brings to the situation
Colloquialism
Words and phrases in casual conversation, often particular to a geographic region
Function: Create a casual and conversational tone. Often used when the author wants his audience to count on him/her as one of their own.
Euphemism
Substitution of a more agreeable or polite word for one that sounds negative or offensive
Function: soften a message or detract from a negative aspect
Jargon
Specialized language of a professional, occupational, or other group
Function: Audience is key. If used in a seemingly inappropriate context, the author may be attempting satire.
Neologism
A recently invented phrase or word.
Function: Establishes author as current.
Portmanteau
The combination of two or more words into one
Function: clarify/labels concepts, adds wit to writing
Pun
A play on words to suggest two meanings associated with just one word.
Function: to suggest more than one meaning/quality to critique, humor, etc.
5 different POVs
- First person
- Third person omniscient
- Third person limited omniscient
- Third person objective
- Stream of consciousness
