Diction

/ˈdɪkʃən/ noun

Definition

The choice and use of words in speaking or writing, especially in terms of quality and style.

Etymology

From Latin 'dictio' meaning 'a saying' or 'expression,' derived from 'dicere' 'to say.' The word entered English in the 14th century and evolved to describe the particular way someone uses language.

Kelly Says

Great writers obsess over diction because a single word choice can completely change how readers feel—compare 'the president announced' versus 'the president declared'—showing how powerful vocabulary selection really is.

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