Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Language effectiveness relates to how well language choices (such as vocabulary, tone, style) achieve their intended purpose in communication. Effective language engages readers, conveys meaning clearly, and elicits desired responses.
Rhetoric refers to the art of using language effectively to persuade or influence an audience. It involves techniques such as ethos, pathos, and logos.
Diction refers to the choice and use of words in speech or writing. It includes considerations of formality, tone, and appropriateness for the intended audience.
Style refers to the distinctive manner in which a writer uses language. It encompasses elements like sentence structure, word choice, and figurative language.