wording

[wur-ding]

noun

1. the act or manner of expressing in words; phrasing.

2. the particular choice of words in which a thing is expressed.

   He liked the thought but not the wording.

wording

/ ˈwɜːdɪŋ /

noun

1. the way in which words are used to express a statement, report, etc, esp a written one

2. the words themselves, as used in a written statement or a sign

Word History and Origins

Origin of wording¹

First recorded in 1555–65; word + -ing ¹

Synonym Study

See diction.

Example Sentences

These were omitted from the wording of the legacy agreement struck by the British and Irish governments in September, but announced separately by London.

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The wording was vague so that the EU didn't object – but crucially the "tripling" word stayed in the text.

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As Madame Ionesco herself once said, “A curse is like a contract. It’s all in the wording.”

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But, nevertheless, Parliament will be asked to approve wording for how judges should balance the right to a private and family life and the public interest in removing someone from the UK.

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I have been trained never to use notes – unless there's a specific legal reason why the wording of a statement, for example, has to be precise, or there are a lot of figures to remember.

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Related Words

• language 
• manner 
• phrasing 
• terminology