# Using Only the Best Words By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2024-03-21 Words, like most things, exist across a spectrum. The distribution of words exists with basic words on one end. This group contains words like _a_, _the_, _this_, and _that_. At the other end of the spectrum are what are sometimes called million-dollar words. Within this group are words like _obfuscate_, _eschaton_, and _aesthetic_. Conventional usage requires a mix of both types. One can imagine a situation where one wants to use only the best words. Hopefully, this does not mean that one is only using million-dollar words. Such an approach would be verbose at best and likely painfully unclear. On the other hand, making use of only common words would likely be banal. There would be nothing within the statements on which one could attempt to latch interest. There is very little attention given to prose - how we communicate matters. Taking time to craft something informative and interesting shows respect for the reader. It also reflects that one respects the ideas one is attempting to communicate. If the communicator has so little respect for one’s ideas, it is unclear why the listener or reader would have more. The best words are the ones that allow a point to be communicated with effect and charm. Sometimes, the words used are common. In others, the words are esoteric. When the stars align, the words selected are poetic. Communication is an act of and the basis for solidarity. Attempting to use our best words poetically could make things better. #### Related Items [[Language]] [[Words]] [[Communication]] [[Solidarity]] [[Poetry]]