What's the good word?

Sounds more like the name of a game, right? But often, it’s that good word (or words) that one struggles to apply to a context. Using the right word does the job of more than just framing the right sentence. Applying the right word means letting your words take a sentence from being just an ‘expression of language’ to making it an ‘expression of emotion’. That said, using the right word can mean making an ‘impact’ versus merely ‘saying’ or ‘writing’ something.

If you’ve thought why using the right word in a context to make it right (or let’s say, the right context) is important – let’s also tell you that it can be really decision-changing.

Words carry connotations:

Oftentimes, a word comes with what’s called a ‘social significance’ attached to it. This can oftentimes be different from its dictionary definition. What holds true in one content may not hold true in another. Let’s say, ‘slim’ versus ‘skinny’. While slim may not sound offensive or may even come across like a compliment, ‘skinny’ on the other hand may offend.

Words make an impression:

Words are not just to express; they are used even to impress. Impression doesn’t mean a rise in social status of a person, but the mental imagery that words can evoke or create on a person’s mind. Words can uplift or demean the sense of what one wants to convey. Like when you use ‘odour’ versus ‘smell’. Often, the word ‘odour’ is taken as ‘bad smell’, whereas ‘odour’ can mean smell. One can even use the phrase “the fine odour of this perfume”. But then, ‘odour’ can seem like a mental roadblock in the context of a perfume.

Words convey intellect:

More often, words also reflect the calibre of a person’s ability to convey something right and say it well. Words can add weight and power to an expression – if used emphatically. But at the same time, one needs to be careful between using the ‘right word’ and using the ‘right jargon’. For instance, saying “Wow, a plethora of cakes for me!” versus “Wow, so many cakes for me”, does sound different. The latter is the most recommended, though.

We hope the blog has given you a good glimpse into why choosing the word (or words) is an essential part of any piece of writing. So, if you are looking forward to conveying an expression the right way, emphatically, and without sounding loud, write to writenow@writehand.in and we will help you make the ‘right impression’, then just make an ‘impression’.

Trivia: “What's the Good Word?” was a Canadian word-based game show that aired from 1972 to 1976 and hosted by John Barton.

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