- abstract diction: language that denotes ideas, emotions, and other intangible concepts
- colloquial expressions: regional words or sayings; tells "where"
- concrete diction: words that describe physical qualities; imagery
- connotation: consists of the associations and emotions attached to a word; i.e. "home" vs. "house"
- denotation: dictionary definition; lacks emotional association
- dialect: a nonstandard variation of a language with its own vocabulary and grammar
- high or formal diction: language that creates an elevated tone; often contains polysyllabic words
- informal or low diction: relaxed and conversational language
- jargon: words and expressions characteristic of a particular job
- neutral diction: uses standard language and vocabulary
- slang: recently coined words; tells "when"
Diction