--for those who speak English as their second language or who just want to improve their writing
(Illustrated version of Quirks of English)
Diction, an element of style, refers to the words writers use to express ideas. Words convey more than exact, literal meanings, in which case they "connote" or suggest additional meanings and values not expressed in general dictionary definitions. Words that "denote" a core meaning are those that are generally used and understood by the users and the audience to represent an object or class of objects, an act, a quality, or an idea. However, because of usage over time, words that denote approximately the same thing may acquire additional meanings, or connotations, that are either positive (meliorative ) or negative (pejorative ). Consider the changes undergone by these words in the 20th century: liberal, diversity, team player, right wing, follower, gay, minority, feminist, left wing, abuse, conservative, motherhood, extremist, rights, relationship, harassment, family, propaganda, peacekeeper, and comrade.
This list demonstrates the foregoing discussion:
Denotation . . . Synonyms
(core meaning)
drug addict . . . druggie, drug fiend, substance abuser
handicapped . . . crippled, disabled, differently abled
horse . . . . . . steed, nag, plug
house . . . . . . home, abode, domicile, residence
thin . . . . . . thin, slender, slim, skinny, lean, beanpole
attractive . . . pretty, beautiful, handsome, fair
reporter . . . . journalist, broadcaster, newshound
unattractive . . plain, dull, ugly
Fortunately, in the "hard sciences," the language is almost pure denotation: for example, Mach number, silicon carbide (SiC), Haynes 188, density, gravity, millimeter, and temperature (°C or °F). However, among the few special problems encountered in scientific reporting is consistency in word choice to describe a concept. Because concepts are abstract rather than concrete, the appropriate word choice requires special attention. Usage over time results in additional denotative meanings. Consider, for example, the words "approach," "methodology," "method," and "procedure." These may occasionally be used interchangeably in reports. Do they really have the same meaning? Actually, no. In addition to their core meanings, each implies differences>. In general, all four denote the means used or the steps followed to do a given kind of work or to achieve a given end. Specifically, they have different implications. The following definitions came from Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (Tenth Edition), Webster's Online Dictionary, and Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913 Edition).
Approach means "preliminary steps taken toward a particular purpose; a specific manner of taking these steps; a plan adopted to tackle a problem." It implies preparation to proceed, a plan of attack.
Methodology is defined as "a body of methods, procedures, working concepts, rules, and postulates employed by a science, art, or discipline; the processes, techniques, or approaches employed in the solution of a problem or in doing something; a body of methods, rules, and postulates employed by a discipline." Here, the implication is that the steps to proceed are set forth as a body of information.
A method is "a procedure or process for attaining an object; a systematic procedure, technique, or mode of inquiry employed by or proper to a particular science, art, or discipline." The usage of method "indicates a means used or a procedure followed in doing a given kind of work or achieving a given end" and it can apply to any plan or procedure but usually implies an orderly, logical, effective plan or procedure connoting regularity. The method encompasses several procedures to accomplish a given task.
A procedure is "a particular way of doing or of going about the accomplishment of something; a particular course of action intended to achieve a result; a particular step adopted for doing or accomplishing something; a series of steps followed in a regular orderly definite way."
Thus, a procedure is used to execute the method, which is embodied in the methodology that was adopted in the approach.