1. Formality:
* Formal: Uses elevated, complex, and often technical language. Common in academic writing, speeches, and formal settings.
* Informal: Uses everyday language, slang, contractions, and colloquialisms. Found in casual conversation, personal letters, and informal writing.
* Neutral: A balance between formal and informal. Used in most professional writing and objective reporting.
2. Connotation:
* The emotional or suggestive meaning associated with a word, beyond its literal definition.
* For example, "home" vs. "house" both refer to a dwelling, but "home" carries emotional weight and warmth.
* Connotation can be positive, negative, or neutral.
3. Diction Level:
* Refers to the complexity and sophistication of the language used.
* High Diction: Uses sophisticated vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and literary devices. Found in poetry, scholarly works, and high-level speeches.
* Low Diction: Uses simple, straightforward language, often colloquial. Found in everyday conversation, children's literature, and informal writing.
* Middle Diction: A balanced approach between high and low diction, using a mix of familiar and less familiar words.
4. Figurative Language:
* Refers to language that uses imagery, metaphor, simile, and other literary devices to create a deeper meaning or impact.
* Can be used to enhance vividness, create emotional resonance, or convey a specific message.
It's important to note that these categories can overlap and interact with each other. The specific qualities of diction that are most important to analyze will depend on the context of the text and the purpose of the analysis.