Connotation and Denotation
Definitions
• Denotation:
The dictionary and literal
meaning of a word.
• Example:
Home, Dwelling, and
Residence
Where a person lives
at a given time.
Dictionary Definition
• Connotation:
The emotional or feeling behind
the word.
• Example:
Home: Cozy, loving, comfortable
Dwelling: Primitive or basic
surroundings
Residence: Cold, no feeling
Emotional Tone of the Word
More Examples…
• Child:
• Building:
Dictionary Definition- A young
person; a person between birth
and adulthood.
Dictionary Definition- a relatively
permanent enclosed construction
over a plot of land.
Positive Connotation:
Positive Connotation:
Kid, Little one
Negative Connotation:
Brat, delinquent
Structure, architecture
Negative Connotation:
Pile, edifice
The definition is always the same, but the connotation
always vary!!!!
More Examples
• Difficult:
Positive Connotation:
Challenge, test
Negative Connotation:
Difficult, complicated
• Meticulous:
Positive Connotation:
Meticulous, careful
Negative Connotation:
Nit-picky, fussy
There are times when the word itself can be a negative
or positive connotation. To be sure, you need to know
what the other words mean AKA looking the definition
up.
Your turn!!!!!
• What is the negative connotation for
canine?
A. Mongrel
B. Canine
C. Dog
• What is the positive connotation for flower?
A. Blossom
B. Plant
C. Flower
Let’s do 1 more… This one is tricky…
Your turn!!!
• What is the most negative connotation for
braggart?
A. Opinionated
B. Boaster
C. Braggart
D. Narcissist