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wording

wording

57 3.4
The way words are used to express an idea
  • noun
  • /ˈwɜrdɪŋ/
translation icon : redacción
  • Before finalizing the contract, we should discuss the wording to avoid any misunderstandings.
  • item wording
  • changes in wording
  • exact wording

But as long as it doesn't say wording on it, it's legal.

Examples

  • Most policies that had been adopted contained inadequate wording due to a lack of specificity or potential loopholes.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Charlotte got the PDF and she needs to go over some of the wording with you before we send it off.

  • We'll work on the wording before you try again.

  • The wording is fully approved.

  • Well, "ran away" is kind of strong wording.

  • I mean, the wording of this problem was kind of misleading.

  • But the Court's use of different wording was almost certainly not accidental.

    Academic text (2017)
  • None of the 19 policies were rated as having strong wording, and 5 were rated as having moderate wording.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Guided by Ms. Harper, the students formulated the exact wording of the investigation plan.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Each poster contains the actual wording of an amendment plus an easy-to-read explanation.

    Academic text (1991)

Synonyms

choice of words
vswording
31 3.8

The words someone uses to express an idea or feeling

is the wider manner of expression beyond just specific word selection
phrasing
vswording
22 3.4

How words are chosen and put together to show meaning

is the general manner of expressing something rather than specific word order
words
vswording
9 1.0

Things someone says or writes to show ideas and feelings

is the method of expressing ideas rather than the raw items of speech
phraseology
vswording
  • Formal
5 8.2

The words and expressions someone uses to say ideas in a particular style

is the basic manner of expressing ideas, not only stylistic choices
formulation
vswording
4 5.5

The way something is expressed in words

focuses on overall expression as the broad way something is said
diction
vswording
4 6.1

The choice of words and how people use them in speech or writing

is the broader method and overall manner of putting ideas
verbalization
vswording
  • US
1 5.6

Putting thoughts or feelings into words so others can understand them

is the general manner of expression, not merely the act of saying ideas

Antonyms

57 6.3

A lack of clear meaning that allows people to understand it in different ways

8 6.1

Lack of clear or exact meaning that makes things hard to understand

How Clear

wording
57 3.4
gobbledegook
  • Informal
1 9.8

Surface Forms

wording singular
wordings plural

Morphology

wording = word (transparent) = word + ing

Direct verb + -ing nominalization: the noun denotes the manner or choice of words.

Etymology

Wording comes from the simple word word ('a single word or unit of speech') plus the ending -ing that turns it into an action or a way of doing something. So wording means the 'way something is expressed in words', which is why we speak about the wording of a letter or contract.