Why Do the Words We Choose to Use Matter At All?

Because the words we choose can convey and take on many different meanings.

Photo by Campaign Creators on Unsplash

Actions speak louder than words. That’s the truth. Someone can tell you constantly how much they love and care for you and will protect you — but when they do some action that is unkind and hurts you — that’s the truth.

As a writer that you are not personally interacting with — my words are more or less all you have of me. My actions are only visible if you know me, interact one-on-one with me in some way, or read another’s take on something I did or didn’t do.

So, while actions are louder than words — the words we choose to use matter. Why? Because words are powerful.

All you need to do is look at the media and politicians. Both are very conscious of what words they choose. Some words are used to put ideas and images in your head, while others are meant to soften a hard truth. Hence why you read or hear them say “misdirected” rather than “lied”, “sexually assaulted” rather than “raped”, “alt-right” rather than “terrorists”, and the like.

The words you choose matter because the idea you are desiring to convey is tied to them directly. When you choose poorly, your message gets muddied, misunderstood, and even lost.