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diction — the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈdɪkʃən/

Example Sentences

  • The news anchor's diction was so poor that viewers started a petition for subtitles.
  • Shakespeare's diction in his sonnets reflects the elegant language of his era.
  • The actor's diction was so crisp that even the audience in the last row could understand every word.

diction

NOUN

[/ˈdɪkʃən/]

the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing

A diction expert selects perfect words from a swirling vocabulary cloud
💡 Concept

A diction expert selects perfect words from a swirling vocabulary cloud

Diction with precision and conviction — choosing the right words with friction eliminated creates the perfect depiction
🎵 Rhyme

Diction with precision and conviction — choosing the right words with friction eliminated creates the perfect depiction

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈdɪkʃən/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈdɪkʃən/

🌳Etymology

Rootdict
Suffix--ion

Origin

From Latin 'dictio' meaning 'speaking' or 'utterance,' derived from 'dicere' meaning 'to say' or 'to speak.' The word entered English through Old French and became established in the 14th century.

Breakdown

dict- (say, speak, from Latin dicere) + -ion (noun suffix indicating action or result) = diction

🎵Rhyme

fiction
friction
addiction

🔗Collocations

clear diction
poetic diction
formal diction
improve diction
perfect diction
careful diction

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The news anchor's diction was so poor that viewers started a petition for subtitles.”

“Shakespeare's diction in his sonnets reflects the elegant language of his era.”

“The actor's diction was so crisp that even the audience in the last row could understand every word.”

😄 Fun example

“My grandmother corrected my diction so often that I started speaking like a 1950s radio host.”

📚Related Words

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