\Dic"tion\, n. [L. dicto a saying, a word, fr. dicere,
dictum, to say; akin to dicare to proclaim, and to E. teach,
token: cf. F. diction. See {Teach}, and cf. {Benison},
{Dedicate}, {Index}, {Judge}, {Preach}, {Vengeance}.]
Choice of words for the expression of ideas; the
construction, disposition, and application of words in
discourse, with regard to clearness, accuracy, variety, etc.;
mode of expression; language; as, the diction of Chaucer's
poems.
      His diction blazes up into a sudden explosion of
      prophetic grandeur.                      --De Quincey.
Syn: {Diction}, {Style}, {Phraseology}.
Usage: Style relates both to language and thought; diction,
       to language only; phraseology, to the mechanical
       structure of sentences, or the mode in which they are
       phrased. The style of Burke was enriched with all the
       higher graces of composition; his diction was varied
       and copious; his phraseology, at times, was careless
       and cumbersome. ``Diction is a general term applicable
       alike to a single sentence or a connected composition.
       Errors in grammar, false construction, a confused
       disposition of words, or an improper application of
       them, constitute bad diction; but the niceties, the
       elegancies, the peculiarities, and the beauties of
       composition, which mark the genius and talent of the
       writer, are what is comprehended under the name of
       style.'' --Crabb.