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| The Earth seen from Apollo 17. (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: Circular
Emotional: Round
‘Round as pink grapefruit, they’re crowned with roseate cherries.’
Intellectual: Disclose
Emotional: Explain
Ephraim was instructed to disclose the source of the information he had
used to write his exclusive report.
‘You gonna explain where you got that gen, Mandy?’
Intellectual: Pharmaceuticals
Emotional: Medicine
Many pharmaceuticals have undesirable side effects that render the drugs
almost as unpleasant as the conditions they are intended to treat.
‘This medicine will make you better. I know it will, as I made it myself
from natural substances.’
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