You may refrain from ululating. This multifarious utilization of ill-placed declamation generates superfluous gregariousness. Many writers rely on the thesaurus tool in word processors — a grade-school habit. They substitute their text to boost character count. Sometimes, it’s an attempt to add a little spice or sound smarter. Many of these words are close in meaning but, aren’t exact synonyms.
As a general rule, don’t use a word the first time you see it. You probably don’t have a complete grasp of its meaning and use. Furthermore, it isn’t part of your voice as a writer. So, it will lower your authenticity. If you adore your thesaurus, use it create clarity or fix redundancies. Never use a thesaurus to sound more intelligent. It will have the opposite effect.
Why Using Obscure Words Can Hurt Your Message
There’s a fine balance between sounding knowledgeable and being understood. Writers often face the temptation to use obscure words, believing they lend an air of sophistication to their work. However, this practice can sometimes backfire, distancing the audience rather than drawing them in. Let’s explore why many people prefer plain writing and what makes it so powerful.
The Pitfall of Obscure Words
Using obscure or overly complex words in writing can create a barrier between the writer and the reader. While these words might impress a small segment of your audience, they can also alienate the majority who may not be familiar with such vocabulary. When readers struggle to understand the language, the message can become muddled or lost entirely.
Confusion and Misinterpretation
Obscure words can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. Readers might spend more time trying to decipher the meaning of individual words rather than absorbing the overall message. This can detract from the impact of your writing and frustrate your audience.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Plain language promotes accessibility and inclusivity. Writing that is easy to understand ensures that a wider audience can engage with your content. This is especially important in today’s diverse world, where readers come from varied educational backgrounds and language proficiencies.
Common Thesaurus Mistakes
New writers often substitute the wrong words when they’re trying to punch up these areas.
Fixing Plagiarism
I see people quote someone else and swap out a few words to avoid plagiarism. This is dishonest. Plagiarism relates both to copying ideas and words. Source your reference properly and keep the original text as a quote. If you want to paraphrase, do so in plain language and give appropriate credit.
Dialogue Tags
A dialogue tag includes the words that accompany a quotation. Said is the most common example. When replacing the word said, writers often choose synonyms that inappropriately shift the tone.
Adverbs and Adjectives
It’s tempting to swap adverbs and adjectives with that handy thesaurus tool in your word processor. However, most prompts aren’t exact matches for the original words. Use this to generate ideas. Only use the suggestion if you’re familiar with the term and its use.
Homonyms + Similar-Sounding Words
It’s easy to pull the a synonym for the wrong homonym. If you’re not familiar with the original word, you’ll grab a synonym without realizing the original mistake. Then, you choose a term that is far away from anything you tried to communicate.
Examples of Common Thesaurus Mistakes
- Averse/adverse: Averse describes a negative feeling about something. However, adverse refers to something that is harmful.
- Obtuse/abstruse: Obtuse refers to dimwittedness. Abstruse means difficult to understand.
- Sterile/infertile: Sterility is permanent. By contrast, infertility means you have difficulty with conceiving. However, you could possibly have a child.
- Stalwart/ stubborn: Although both words imply immovability, stubborn implies a negative connotation.
- Prejudicial/discriminatory: Both terms describe something harmful. However, prejudicial describes a harmful action. By contrast, discriminatory draws an unfair distinction between different categories of people.
These are just a few instances where people can accidentally choose the wrong word, assuming it is a synonym.
The Power of Plain Writing
Plain writing, characterized by clarity and simplicity, holds a unique power. It allows ideas to be communicated effectively and efficiently, ensuring that the reader can grasp the intended message without unnecessary effort.
Clarity and Engagement
When writing is clear, it naturally becomes more engaging. Readers are more likely to connect with your work and become invested in what you have to say. Clarity fosters a sense of trust between the writer and the reader, as it demonstrates respect for the reader’s time and intelligence.
Emotional Impact
Plain language does not mean sacrificing emotional depth. In fact, simplicity often heightens emotional impact. By stripping away unnecessary complexity, the core emotions and ideas of a piece can shine through more vividly, resonating deeply with readers.
Universality
Plain writing is universal. It transcends cultural and intellectual barriers, making it a powerful tool for communication across different demographics. When your message is easily understood by all, it has the potential to reach and influence a broader audience.
The Takeaway
Embracing plain language in writing does not mean dumbing down your work. Instead, it signifies a commitment to clear and effective communication. By prioritizing clarity over complexity, writers can ensure their messages are accessible, engaging, and impactful. In a world inundated with information, the ability to convey ideas simply and directly is a skill that cannot be underestimated. So next time you’re tempted to reach for that obscure word, consider the power of plain writing and the lasting impression it can leave on your readers.
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