Vocabulary for effect
Vocabulary for Effect
The Importance of Vocabulary Choice
- Understanding that the choice of words, or vocabulary, can greatly change the meaning, tone, and impact of a sentence.
- Appreciating that different words can have the same literal meaning, but create different effects due to their connotations (the ideas or feelings associated with the word).
- Striving to use precise and effective vocabulary to convey particular moods, images or ideas.
Techniques for Effective Vocabulary Choice
- Using synonyms to vary word choice and avoid repetition. Ensure the synonym carries the same connotation as the original word.
- Incorporating sensory language, utilising words that describe sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feelings to create vivid mental images.
- Selecting words for their emotive power. Utilising emotionally charged vocabulary can strongly influence the response of the reader.
- Utilising figurative language like metaphors, similes, and personification to make your writing more powerful and engaging.
Special Vocabulary Categories
- Becoming familiar with jargon, the technical terms or slang associated with a particular topic or profession. These can be used to create credibility or to alienate the reader.
- Utilising dialect words or phrases can create character, set a location, or hint at social class or education.
- Introducing foreign words or phrases can add flavour and realism to a piece of writing, especially when the setting or character is connected with a different culture or language.
Developing Your Vocabulary
- Regularly reading widely and varies texts to expose yourself to new words and phrases.
- Using a thesaurus to search for synonyms and expand your vocabulary.
- Keeping a vocabulary journal to capture new words, their definitions and sample sentences.
Summary
Effectively employing vocabulary for effect allows a writer to add depth, power, and richness to their work. By consciously choosing words for their connotations, incorporating sensory and emotional elements, and exploiting the power of figurative language, your writing can become significantly more engaging and impactful.