Someone's diction is how clearly they speak or sing.
His diction wasn't very good.
Clear diction is important.
Synonyms: pronunciation, speech, articulation, delivery More Synonyms of diction
diction in British English
(ˈdɪkʃən)
noun
1.
the choice and use of words in writing or speech
2.
the manner of uttering or enunciating words and sounds; elocution
Word origin
C15: from Latin dictiō a saying, mode of expression, from dīcere to speak, say
diction in American English
(ˈdɪkʃən)
noun
1.
manner of expression in words; choice of words; wording
2.
manner of speaking or singing; enunciation
Word origin
L dictio, a speaking (in LL, word) < pp. of dicere, to say, orig., point out in words < IE base *deik-, to point out > Gr deiknynai, to prove, Ger zeigen, to show, OE teon, to accuse, tæcan, teach
Examples of 'diction' in a sentence
diction
Give me clear diction any day.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Also their diction could be clearer.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Generally awful English diction is one reason.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The two women share the same gentle Scottish accent and crisp, precise diction.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
He knows what he's talking about, has clear diction and gives an informed view.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
(noun)
Definition
the manner of pronouncing words and sounds
Clear diction is important in public speaking.
Synonyms
pronunciation
You'll have to forgive my bad French pronunciation.
speech
His speech became increasingly thick and nasal.
articulation
an actor able to sustain clear articulation over long periods
delivery
His speeches were magnificent but his delivery was hopeless.
fluency
inflection
His voice was devoid of inflection.
intonation
His voice had a very slight German intonation.
elocution
He took courses in elocution and acting at the London Academy.
enunciation
Additional synonyms
in the sense of articulation
Definition
the expressing of an idea in words
an actor able to sustain clear articulation over long periods
Synonyms
expression,
delivery,
pronunciation,
speech,
saying,
talking,
voicing,
speaking,
utterance,
diction,
enunciation,
vocalization,
verbalization
in the sense of delivery
Definition
manner or style in public speaking
His speeches were magnificent but his delivery was hopeless.
Synonyms
speech,
speaking,
expression,
pronunciation,
utterance,
articulation,
intonation,
diction,
elocution,
enunciation,
vocalization
in the sense of elocution
Definition
the art of speaking clearly in public
He took courses in elocution and acting at the London Academy.