Shades of
Meaning
Shades of Meaning
Standard:
R 1.5- Understand and explain
“shades of meaning” in related
words (e.g. softly and quietly)
 Objective:
Students will edit by choosing
stronger shades of meaning.

Prior Knowledge:

Synonym:
Words that have the meaning or
about the same meaning.
Example: big and large

Similar:
Same or alike
Shades of Meaning
happy
excited
overjoyed
ecstatic
Checking for Understanding

On your white boards write a
synonym for the word mad.
Concept Development
Shades of Meaning:

Shades of meaning is a phrase
used to describe the small, subtle
differences in meaning between
similar words or phrases
Concept Development

Denotation: Dictionary meaning
Example: Woman and lady both refer to a
female adult.

Connotation: Feelings and ideas that
have become attached to certain words.
Example: Even though woman and lady
both refer to a female adult, lady suggests
one who is well-mannered and refined or
proper.
Concept Development


A word’s connotation can be positive
or negative.
A word with a positive connotation
calls up good feelings; a word with
negative connotation calls up bad
feelings.
Example:
Fragrant is positive, but smelly is
negative.
Shades of Meaning
Example:
 'kid' and 'youth' both refer to young
people, but carry differing views
and ideas about young people.
Read the two sentences, and
discuss the differences between
them.


Ben walked quietly down the hallway.
Ben walked softly down the hallway.

Even though both sentences tell you that
Ben isn’t making much noise as he walks
down the hallway, there is a difference.

The first one suggests that he is walking
without talking and the second suggests
he is walking carefully placing each foot in
front of the other not trying to make noise.
Read the two sentences, and discuss the
differences between them.




She was annoyed with her little brother.
She was angry with her little brother.
Even though both tell you she isn’t
happy with her brother, there is a
difference.
The first one suggests she is being
bothered by her brother and the second
one suggests she is mad at her brother.
Guided Practice



Step 1:Jack got out of the oven
when the giant fell asleep.
Step 2: If I want to express that Jack
is being quiet and careful should I
use a different word?
Step 3: Jack snuck out of the oven
when the giant fell asleep.
Guided Practice



Step 1: The Crow was worried when
the Fox complimented her.
Step 2: If I want to express that the
Crow is really worried should I use a
different word?
Step 3: The Crow was suspicious
when the Fox complimented her.
Closure

What is Shades of meaning?

Why is it important?

How can you make sure you are
using the correct shade of meaning?