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| Freshman college girls between classes. By standards of the time, they would have been considered very "dressed up." Memphis, Tennessee, 1973 (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Some words/phrases can induce fairly specific responses in readers. As
writers, we all know this, but do we use the power of emotion in our work?
For these few weeks, I’m looking at something subjective: how to choose
between emotional and intellectual words for effect. You won’t always agree
with me, of course; you’re writers. But, hopefully, my suggestions will get the
thought processes going.
In this series I’m looking at the difference between words that seem
intellectual as opposed to those that evoke a more emotional response. How you
use them is obviously up to you. The point is that the alternatives have the
same, or very similar, meanings, but their effect upon the reader can be markedly
different. I’ve made some suggestions here, but I’m sure you can think of
others.
Intellectual: Attractive
Emotional: Good Looking
‘Regardless of how attractive you find her, she is not considered
suitable marriage material by your father, Brian.’
‘She’s a good looking girl, Bri. I can see why you’d want to be with her.’
Intellectual: Garment
Emotional: Dress, Skirt, Shirt
‘That garment is hardly suitable for the workplace, Miss Divine.’
‘Wow! That miniskirt really suits you, Di.’
Intellectual: Perceive
Emotional: See
‘I perceive a change in the manner of your relationship with that young
woman.’
‘I can see you’re completely infatuated with that girl.’
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