Connotation and Denotation
Denotation
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Denotation refers to the dictionary
definition of a word.
Many different words share a
denotation
Connotation
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Connotation is additional layers of
meaning that include the cultural
context or feelings associated with that
word.
Context is important here!
An Example
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Denotation
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Define house
Define home
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Connotation
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Now consider the
emotions associated
with each idea.
Link to Author’s Purpose /
Theme
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Authors choose specific words carefully
so that they help them achieve their
purpose.
Some Practice
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2.
3.
4.
Arrange the list of words in order from
the most positive to the most
negative:
slender, skinny, lean, beanpole
pretty, beautiful, fair, attractive
automobile, car, jalopy, hot rod
dull, ugly, plain
More Practice
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
For each word listed with a negative
connotation, think of at least one word that
is more positive:
Punk
Stubborn
Fight
Retarded
Chick
Slut
More Practice
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Which words in the following sentences
have the same denotation?
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The thrifty shopper uses coupons.
The stingy billionaire won’t make a
donation.
Which one would you prefer to be
described as? Why?
Context is Important!
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What is the denotative and connotative
meaning of wise?
Consider the following sentences:
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Wise men give the best advice.
Those kids are a bunch of wise guys.
More Context
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2.
3.
4.
Describe the connotation of each underlined
word.
We enjoyed hearing the pastor preach at
church last week.
Please don’t preach to me about my bad
eating habits.
I found that book quite interesting.
I told my sister that her bright green purse
was “interesting.”
Another Link
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Use of words with a specific connotation
can help to create tone/mood!
Tone and mood also help an author
build toward his purpose
Connotation in ASP
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Consider connotation, tone, mood,
author’s purpose.
“It had loomed in my memory” (5)
“Boys ambled past our door” (12)
“The bell sounded ten stately times”
(12)