Diction in literature refers to the choice of words and phrasing used by an author in their written or spoken text. It is a crucial element of writing that can affect the tone, style, and overall impact of a piece of literature. Diction can be used to establish a distinct voice and style, convey the authors attitude towards their writing, and create a specific impact for the reader. It can also help to establish genres, such as poetry or prose, and craft a portrait of characters in novels and short stories.

There are different types of diction in literature, including formal, informal, pedantic, pedestrian, slang, colloquial, abstract, concrete, and poetic. Formal diction is more serious and professional, while informal diction is more playful and friendly. Pedantic diction is characterized by the use of overly complex words and phrases, while pedestrian diction is simple and lacks creativity. Slang and colloquial diction are informal and often used in everyday speech, while abstract and concrete diction refer to the level of specificity in the words used. Poetic diction is characterized by the use of figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, to create a specific effect.

In summary, diction in literature refers to the choice of words and phrasing used by an author to convey their ideas, point of view, or tell a story. It is a crucial element of writing that can affect the tone, style, and overall impact of a piece of literature. There are different types of diction, each with its own characteristics and effects on the reader.