Skip to content

Big words Quote by Ernest Hemingway

“Poor Faulkner. Does he really think big emotions come from big words? He thinks I don’t know the ten-dollar words. I know them all right. But there are older and simpler and better words, and those are the ones I use.” quote by Ernest Hemingway
Download Open image
“Poor Faulkner. Does he really think big emotions come from big words? He thinks I don’t know the ten-dollar words. I know them all right. But there are older and simpler and better words, and those are the ones I use.”

Ernest Hemingway

About This Quote

Source Essay: “On Writing”, 1931

Simple, clear language conveys deep emotion better than ornate words, advocating for plain expression.

In simple terms: Simple words carry strong feelings.

Key Takeaway

Choose clarity over complexity.

Themes

simplicity emotion language

Mood

clear confident

Type

advice literary

When to use this quote

  • writing essays
  • teaching
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

minimalism communication

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you simplify a complex idea?
  • When does simplicity enhance impact?
A Different Perspective

Complex ideas sometimes need precise terminology.

4.1 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Ernest Hemingway

Explore all 1,465 Ernest Hemingway quotes

More Big words quotes

Browse all 122 Big words quotes