voice
voys
/vɔɪs/
The distinctive style, personality, or perspective of a written work or narrator.
Voice is the fingerprint of a writer. It is the unique combination of diction, syntax, and perspective that makes a reader feel they are listening to a specific, living human being.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'vox', meaning voice, sound, or utterance. In ancient rhetoric, finding one's 'vox' meant mastering physical projection and delivery, which later translated metaphorically to a writer's unique presence on the page.
Word relationships
- persona: Persona is a specific mask or character assumed by the writer, while voice is the broader stylistic identity of the writing.
- style: Style is the technical execution of writing, whereas voice includes the emotional personality and worldview behind that style.
Commonly confused with
- tone: Voice is the writer's permanent personality on the page; tone is the temporary mood or attitude they adopt for a specific piece.
Word family
- vocal (adjective): Relating to the human voice; outspoken.
- vocalize (verb): To utter with the voice; express aloud.
Collocations
- distinctive voice
- narrative voice
- authorial voice
- find one's voice
Idioms & expressions
- give voice to
- with one voice
Example sentences
- "The young novelist has established a bold, unmistakable voice that leaps off the very first page." Reviewing a debut novel
- "Writing in the first-person voice allowed the author to explore the protagonist's deepest insecurities." Discussing narrative perspective
Memory hook
If you closed your eyes and heard a friend speak, you would recognize their voice. A great writer's 'voice' is just as recognizable on the page. Voice is the writer's literary fingerprint.
When not to use
Avoid using voice to mean simply the physical sound produced by vocal cords, unless discussing literal speech or singing.
Fun facts
- Grammarians also use 'voice' to describe active versus passive construction (e.g., 'The dog bit the man' vs. 'The man was bitten by the dog').
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