DictionÑword choice

 

Consider the following when discussing diction:

register:  formal or informal

informal registers include:

vernacular['B1] 

colloquial['B2]  ("folksy")

idiomatic['B3] 

slang['B4] 

academic and legal language are both formal registers

jargon ['B5] 

monosyllabic/polysyllabic

denotation: dictionary definition

connotation:  the word's "baggage"

positive or negative

secondary meanings

associations (you can't take the money out of the bank)

euphonious/cacophonous

noun forms:  euphony, cacophony

other sound features such as alliteration and onomatopoeia

part of speech

etymology

Greek and Latin roots

neologism

archaic/modern

Compare/contrast with synonyms ("what if...") or antonyms

            similarities/differences with surrounding words or words associated with the same idea

             

                       

Definitions from onelook.com

 ['B1] noun:  the everyday speech of the people (as distinguished from literary language)

 ['B2]adjective:  characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation

 ['B3]peculiar to a particular group, individual, or style

 ['B4]informal language consisting of words and expressions that are not considered appropriate for formal occasions; often vituperative or vulgar

 ['B5]specialized technical terminology characteristic of a particular subject