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Denotation and Connotation: Name: Period: Date

This document discusses the difference between denotation and connotation. Denotation refers to the dictionary definition of a word, while connotation refers to the feelings or ideas associated with a word beyond its literal meaning. Examples are provided to illustrate how two words can have similar denotations but very different connotations. The document also provides exercises to identify appropriate word choices based on connotation.

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35 views2 pages

Denotation and Connotation: Name: Period: Date

This document discusses the difference between denotation and connotation. Denotation refers to the dictionary definition of a word, while connotation refers to the feelings or ideas associated with a word beyond its literal meaning. Examples are provided to illustrate how two words can have similar denotations but very different connotations. The document also provides exercises to identify appropriate word choices based on connotation.

Uploaded by

NAKIPEHKS
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Name: Period: Date:

Denotation and Connotation

 Denotation: the dictionary meaning of a word

 Connotation: the emotional overtone a word carries. Connotations are the feelings or ideas associated with words, in
addition to their dictionary meanings

Connotation Examples:
 Positive, Negative, or Neutral:
“Petite and “runty” are both words used to describe small people, but one word has positive connotations and the
other has negative connotations. Even though their dictionary definitions (denotations) are similar, their actual meanings are
very different. Another example is with the words “antique” and “old.” The word “antique” has a positive connotation of
something valuable, while the connotation of “old” is of something run-down. Would you rather own an antique desk or an old
desk?

 Shades of meaning:
Words’ connotations can also convey finer shades of difference. Cute, attractive, and gorgeous are all positive words,
but they create very different images in a reader’s mind.

 Appropriate word choices:


Connotations of words can make one word more appropriate than another in a particular situation. For instance, if
you were looking for an inexpensive restaurant to take your dinner date, you would probably ask for a “moderately priced”
restaurant, as opposed to a “cheap” restaurant. Cheap has negative connotations (and probably wouldn’t get you a second
date!).

 Exercise: Read the sentences below and circle the most appropriate or positive word choice in the parenthesis for
each.
Example: The way the poet uses words is very (sly, clever).

1. I gave my mother (a cheap, inexpensive) necklace on her birthday.


2. My new neighbor is a/an (mature, elderly) woman.
3. “My, you’ve lost a lot of weight,” she complimented. “You look really (slim, skinny).”
4. She is sort of a beauty and a beast, (innocence, childlike) and danger.
5. Our new boss is incredibly (driven, pushy).

Labels:
Below is a list of names that are sometimes applied to groups of people. Next to each, write down the connotation, the
feelings or ideas associated with the words.
Label Connotation Label Connotation
Jock Illegal immigrant
Preppy Bookworm
Tomboy Cheerleader
Gangster Drop-out
Valley Girl Hipster
Gamer Skater

Symbols:
For the objects below, provide both the denotation (actual meaning) and connotation (associations) that the symbol
implies.
Denotation Symbol Connotation

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