Diction

Front

Shades of meaning

Back

Words that are similar in meaning, but have varying levels of intensity.

Front

Colloquialisms

Back

Ordinary and familiar words that may vary from region to region.

Front

Diction

Back

An author's choice of words.

Front

Formal language

Back

Language that is free of slang, idioms, colloquialisms, and contractions; often contains polysyllabic words and sophisticated syntax; used in professional meetings, speeches, academic writings, etc.

Front

Literal meaning

Back

Words mean exactly what they say.

Front

Denotation

Back

The dictionary definition of a word.

Front

Connotation

Back

The emotional or cultural association with a word, beyond its literal meaning.

Front

Jargon

Back

Specialized language used by a particular group or profession.

Front

Idioms

Back

Expressions that have a figurative meaning different from the literal meaning of the individual words.

Front

Informal language

Back

Casual language that may include slang, idioms, and contractions.