Word Choice

Synonyms, Antonyms, Connotations, Denotations, etc.

When we're communicating we have choices regarding how to convey our intended messages. Let's pause. Couldn't I have just said "When we communicate, we have choices regarding our communications"? Which is more efficient?

Well, we won't get into all instances of word choice, but it's important to know that words don't always mean exactly what we think they mean because our receivers (the audience) may have a different understanding.  After all, words are not without ambiguity.

Consider the following words and the contexts provided:

In what settings are the below terms appropriate?

Terms: cold, parity, thingy, depression, speed, velocity, weight.

Are there different meanings based on the following fields: Medicine, Engineering, Economics, Psychology, Math...?

Parity (Math): set of even or odd numbers.

Parity (Computers): the condition of the number of items in a set...

Parity (Economics/Finance): equivalence in value in the currency (or metal--e.g., gold) of another country.

Parity (Sociology/Cultural Studies): equality of different persons or groups.

Synonyms, Antonyms, Connotations, Denotations, etc.

Let's review a few definitions to help us with understanding word choices by considering meaning:

• Synonyms: different words with similar or nearly similar meanings.

• Antonyms: different words with opposite of nearly opposite meanings.

• Denotation: the most direct, specific meaning of a word; the dictionary definition of a word. Easy to remember because of the 'd' for "dictionary." Clever, huh?

• Connotation:  the suggestions, associations, and implications (as in implied) of a word beyond its literal meaning; the attitudes surrounding a word. The implied meaning of a word can often be contextual.

The last two are where we run into trouble when we communicate.  Consider the following words' denotations and connotations and what makes them "loaded" terms:

• feminism

• communism

• occupation (e.g., the occupation of Iraq)

• failure

• prohibition

• grope

That's an interesting group of words.

A Note on Grammar, Mechanics, and Correct Usage

Using audience-expected grammatical choices is important, but I don't usually emphasize it because there are more pressing concerns IMHO in technical communication studies. However, I have a page that you can peruse at your leisure: Sancho's grammar page.