Denotative meaning
The literal or dictionary meaning of a word or phrase
Connotative meaning
The meaning suggested by the associations or emotions triggered by a word or phrase
Thesaurus
Book of synonyms
Concrete words
Words that refer to tangible objects
Abstract words
Words that refer to ideas or concepts
Clutter
Discourse that takes many more words that are necessary to express an idea
Imagery (3)
The use of vivid language to create mental images or objects, actions, or ideas
Simile, concrete words, metaphor
Simile
An explicit comparison, introduced with the word like or as between things that are essentially different yet have something in common
Cliche
A trite or overuse expression
Metaphor
An implicit comparison, not introduced with the word like or as between two thinkings that are essentially different yet have something in common
Rhythm (4)
The pattern of sound in a speech created by the choice and arrangement of words
Parallelism, repetition, alliteration, antithesis
Parallelism
A similar arrangement of a pair or series of related words or sentences
Repetition
Reiteration of the same word or set of words at the beginning to end of successive clauses or sentences
Alliteration
Repetition of the initial consonant sound of close or adjoining words
Antithesis
The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, usually in parallel structures
Inclusive language
Language that does not stereotype, demean, or patronize people on the basics of gender, age, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or other factors
Generic "he
Using he to refer to both he and she
Using language clearly (3)
Use familiar words, chose concrete words, eliminate clutter
Using language appropriately (4)
Occasion, audience, topic, speaker
Inclusive language (4)
Generic he, gender, social roles, groups
Using language vividly (2)
Imagery, and rhythm