Diction is the Choice of Words in Writing, Understand its Function and Types

Kapanlagi.com - The word diction is certainly not unfamiliar, especially for those of you who are familiar with the world of literacy or literature. Diction is the choice of words in a writing process. The selection of words or diction is done to produce good and interesting writing. Diction is not only about words, but also expressions and writing styles.

Diction is very important in the world of writing. With the right diction, writers or authors of literary works can evoke the emotions or feelings of readers. In addition, the use of diction in scientific writing is also equally important. The right selection of diction will make the content of a scientific work easier to understand.

Summarized from various sources, here is a more complete review of the importance of diction in writing literary works and scientific works.

1. Understanding and Requirements of Diction Accuracy

Definition of diction (credit: freepik)

In the Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), the meaning of the word 'diksi' is the selection of appropriate and harmonious words to express ideas in order to achieve a certain effect. Based on this explanation, it is known that the application of a diction is done with a specific purpose. For example, to attract the sympathy of readers, to facilitate understanding, and so on.

However, in order to achieve these goals, the chosen diction must be accurate. The accuracy of diction can be seen if it meets certain requirements. The requirements for diction accuracy are as follows.

1. Can show the difference between words that have similar spellings.

2. Wise in the use of words with connotative and denotative meanings.

3. Precise in the use of synonymous words or words with close meanings.

4. The use of verbs in prepositional phrases must be idiomatic.

5. Emphasize consistency based on predetermined word choices.

6. Can distinguish between specific and general words.

2. Purpose of Diction

As mentioned earlier, the main purpose of diction is to express ideas in order to achieve a certain effect. However, besides this main purpose, the application of diction is also done to prevent ambiguity.

This is because ambiguity can trigger different interpretations between the writer and the reader, or the speaker and the listener. With the appropriate diction, this can be minimized.

In addition, another purpose of diction is to create a more subtle, polite, firm, and so on impression in writing. Thus, the writer can show their feelings and character through the selection of diction.

3. Function of Diction

Function of diction (credit: freepik)

In addition to being applied for specific purposes, the use of diction in a piece of writing can also serve several functions. The functions of diction in a piece of writing are as follows.

1. Preventing differences in interpretation.

2. Facilitating understanding and preventing misunderstandings.

3. Creating efficient and effective communication.

4. Implying the expressive style of the writer's ideas, for example, formal or casual, so that it will be suitable for the topic and target readers.

5. Strengthening the atmosphere that wants to be conveyed in writing or speaking.

6. Making readers or listeners of literary works understand better what the author wants to convey.

7. Showing verbal expressions in ideas.

4. Types of Diction Based on Meaning

Along with its development and application in the world of writing, diction is divided into several types. These various types of diction can be classified based on two things, namely based on meaning and also lexical. Based on meaning, diction consists of two. The two groups of diction are denotative diction and connotative diction. Here is an explanation of denotative diction and connotative diction.

1. Denotative Diction
Denotative diction means the selection of words in a sentence or paragraph that shows the actual meaning (not figurative meaning). For example: Anwar always studies diligently before the final semester exams.

2. Connotative Diction
Connotative diction means the selection of words in a sentence or paragraph that shows a meaning that is not actual (figurative meaning). For example: Randy works as an "ink worker" in a newspaper office.

5. Types of Lexical Diction

Types of diction (credit: freepik)

In addition to its meaning, lexical diction can also be classified into several types. The following are some lexical classifications of diction.

1.Antonym
Antonym is another word for opposite or two words that have opposite meanings. For example, tall x short, top x bottom, thrifty x extravagant, and so on.

2.Synonym
Synonym is two or more words that have the same or similar meanings. For example, happy = glad, delicious = tasty, intelligent = smart.

3.Homophone
Homophone is a word that has different spelling and meaning, but has the same pronunciation. For example, the words "Bank" and "Bang" have the same pronunciation, but different spelling and meaning.

4.Homonym
Meanwhile, homonym is a word that has the same pronunciation and spelling, but has different meanings. For example, the word "bulan" can refer to the moon as an object in the sky, but it can also refer to time.

5.Homograph
Homograph is a term for words that have different pronunciation and meanings, but have the same spelling. For example, Her favorite food is fried tofu x She doesn't know that today is a holiday. The word "Tahu" in the above sentence has the same spelling, but different meanings.

6.Hypernym
Hypernym is a word that can represent many other words. For example, the phrase "wild animals" can represent various types of animals such as tigers, snakes, crocodiles, and so on.

7.Hyponym
On the contrary, hyponyms are words that can be represented by hypernyms. This means that words like elephant, lion, crocodile, and snake are hyponyms of the phrase "wild animals".

8.Polysemy
Polysemy is a word that has more than one meaning. For example, the word "flower" in the following two sentences has different meanings:

1) Bank customers will receive interest every month.

2) Annisa is the most beautiful village flower in her village.

6. Examples of Diction Sentences

Of course, diction has several example sentences that you can learn so that you won't be confused. And here are some examples of diction sentences that you can use well and correctly:

1.A woman was found dead in her car. (This is an incorrect diction expression, KLovers, because the word "dead" is more appropriate for animals, it is better to replace it with the word "deceased" or "passed away.")

2.Why do you always ignore our promises? (It doesn't sound good to listen to, KLovers, instead of using the word "ignore", you can use the word "neglect.")

3.The perpetrator of the destruction has been apprehended by the police. (It would be better to replace "destruction" with the word "damage.")

4.After we found out who the culprit was, he made excuses to cover up his mistakes. (The word "excuses" is not quite appropriate to use in the above sentence, it would be better for you to replace it with the word "defend.")

5.Today, I went to the beach with my friends. The air there is very cool and the trees are very dense. (The word 'dense' for trees, it is better to be replaced with 'lush'.)

6.The flower is very pleasant to look at in the morning. (The word 'looked at' will feel better if replaced with 'gazed at')

7.Muslims and their families celebrate Hari Agung during Eid al-Fitr. (Although the word 'festive day', 'big day' is the same as 'festive day'. However, the use of 'agung' is rarely used, so it is better to use the word 'festive day' or 'big day'.)

8.Roy's dog eats dinner at night. (The word 'eats dinner' is not suitable for animals, it is better to be replaced with 'eats')

Those are some reviews about diction being important in the world of writing. Hopefully useful and adding insight.

(kpl/psp)