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Humanities LibreTexts

4.2: Abstract and Concrete Diction

  • Page ID
    360616

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    What is the difference?

    Another way of looking at diction, or a creator's word choices, and one of the most valuable pieces of advice to give you as a developing writer, involves considering the difference between concrete and abstract diction. In order to do this properly, see the following definitions.

    Definition: Concrete Diction

    Words that are tangible or describe physicality. You can physically interact with what concrete words describe. Think of words like parrot, harpoon, or aiglet. These words are used for specific objects that could exist in real or imagined versions of meatspace.

    Definition: Abstract Diction

    Words that are intangible. You can't physically touch the things these words describe. Abstract diction means words that involve nonphysical objects. Think of words like luxury, realness, or attitude.

    Brainstorm Abstract Terms \(\PageIndex{1}\)

    Now that you have a concept of what abstract terms are, think of ten. If you notice that most of them have more than one syllable, you might be on to something!

    Answer

    Some examples of abstract terms are felicity, observation, love, character, fortitude, audacity, concordance, loyalty, bravery, integrity.

    On Concrete and Specific Language

    In college writing, we want to focus on bringing our ideas as clearly and meaningfully across as we can, and our audiences appreciate relevant and illustrative examples. When you describe a setting, you can say the forest has trees, or you can mention the atmosphere using a modifier for forest and create a more specific image of this forest for your reader to inhabit as you take them there in your writing: the labyrinthine forest of elder trees. When we wish to create examples in our writing, one excellent activity to practice is naming the concrete within the abstract: start with an abstract or general word and find examples that describe or illustrate that word.

    Activity: Concrete Abstractions \(\PageIndex{1}\)

    With a partner or group, discuss each of the following examples of abstract diction. Then, provide three examples of concrete diction (a word or a phrase) that shows what the abstract words describe. See the example below.

    1. Freedom
    2. Laziness
    3. Passion
    4. Luxury
    5. Violence
    6. Insanity
    7. Gratitude
    8. Grace
    9. Religion
    10. Foreign

    For example, love.

    Three concrete words or ideas that show love are love notes, flower bouquets, and lip smooches.

    Answer

    Your answers should vary greatly, but here are a few examples from past students in courses at Evergreen Valley College

    Sample Answers from Past Student Responses
    Abstract Term Concrete Term 1 Concrete Term 2 Concrete Term 3
    Luxury yacht Birkin bag Lamborghini
    Independence American flag car keys debit card
    Religion rosary mosque puja