Diction - AP® English Definition

Diction means the writer’s choice of words. In AP English, students learn that diction affects the tone, meaning, and style of a text. It can be formal or informal, simple or complex, depending on the writer’s purpose and audience.

Writers carefully choose diction to create a certain effect. For example, emotional words can create pathos, while precise words can build clarity or logic. Analysing diction helps students understand a writer’s attitude and message more deeply.

Example of diction in an AP English text

In The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield’s informal, slang-filled diction reflects his teenage voice and rebellious attitude.

Words like “phony” and casual phrases help show his frustration with the adult world. Salinger’s diction helps make Holden’s character feel real and shows his emotional state throughout the novel.