In literary analysis, which term describes the choice of words used by an author?

• A. Diction
• B. Tone
• C. Syntax
• D. Imagery

Answer: (A)

Word choice in a text is what you’re analyzing. The technical term for that is diction. Diction covers the specific words an author selects, including their level of formality, precision, and the connotations they carry. These choices shape the voice, mood, and meaning of the passage.

This differs from tone, which is the author’s overall attitude toward the subject as revealed through writing, though diction helps establish that attitude. It also differs from syntax, which focuses on sentence structure and rhythm, and from imagery, which centers on language that appeals to the senses. For example, using formal, elevated diction can create a serious or authoritative mood, while colloquial diction can make a narrator feel casual or intimate. The term that describes the choice of words is diction.