In terms of writing, what does "diction" signify?

Diction signifies the choice and use of words and phrases in writing. It plays a critical role in shaping a writer's style and tone. The specific words that an author chooses can significantly affect the meaning of the text and the reader's emotional response. For example, an author may choose formal language to convey a sense of seriousness and authority, whereas colloquial language might create a more casual or relatable tone.

Understanding diction is essential because it helps readers analyze how language can reflect the characters’ personalities, the setting, the mood, or themes within the work. This focus on language choice makes it a fundamental aspect of literary analysis. Other concepts, such as sentence structure, plot organization, and visual imagery, while important in their own right, do not capture the essence of diction, which is strictly concerned with word selection.