wording

Pluralwordings

1. 1
   nouncountable or uncountable

   The particular choice of words and the style in which they are used to express something in a given context.

   The wording of the apology felt carefully calculated to avoid admitting fault.

   Lawyers debated the precise wording of the clause for hours.

   Similarphrasing

   Note

   A noun that can be counted or not, depending on the job. The wording of a clause is its phrasing taken as a whole, while wordings are competing versions set side by side. It often has an official edge. Railway Magazine (1955) notes that an old bridge notice's comprehensive wording still covered vehicles its drafter never imagined. Phrasing is its close synonym.

2. 2
   verb

   Present participle and gerund of word.

   The diplomat is wording her response to avoid any hint of blame.

   Wording the contract clause precisely took the team most of the afternoon.

   Note

   Here the verb keeps a direct object: wording a reply, wording the clause precisely. That is the quick test against the noun for phrasing, which needs of, as in the wording of the clause. Most uses mean simply to phrase something. Older English also used the verb without an object for speaking or conversing, and once for flattering someone with words. Both uses are now archaic or obsolete.

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