DENOTATION AND CONNOTATION HOMEWORK
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Denotation: the strict, "dictionary" definition of a word.
Connotation: the emotions attached to a word. The emotion can be either positive or negative.
Metaphoric Connotation in the Animal Kingdom
The connotation of animals has lent metaphorical meaning to commonalities. This list of animals with its associated connotations
exemplify denotation vs connotation. According to denotation, a weasel is a small carnivorous mammal with short legs and
elongated body and neck. According to connotation, a weasel is not to be trusted. Let's take a look at some other animals:
 A snake is something to be feared for its deception.
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A dog connotes a shameless beggar or an ugly face.
A fox is sneaky or sly. A foxy woman, however, is desired.
A shark is ruthless.
A predator seeks to harm innocents.
Not all animal metaphoric connotations are negative:
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A dove is gentle.
A hen is motherly.
A beast dominates (sometimes negatively and sometimes positively).
Owls are wise.
Because these metaphors have become common, their connotative meaning is easy to recognize. This is not always the case.
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Denotation vs Connotation: Common Usage
Understanding denotation and connotation is an important concept in choosing the correct word. Here's a list of words that show
connotation and denotation differences.
 Those who are lonely and detached live in a house. Those who live with loved ones and in happiness live in a home.
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Many wise men have made plans. Many cunning scoundrels have devised a scheme.
Pushy salespeople are to be avoided. Aggressive salespeople make a lot of money.
I'm sick and tired of listening to politicians, but give me a good statesman any day of the week, and we'll get things done.
Here are some other common examples of differences in connotation. The first word in each pair is the positive or less negative
connotation.
chef vs. cook
thrifty vs. tightwad
ambitious vs greedy
submissive vs lazy
amazed vs stupefied
inexpensive vs cheap
slender vs gaunt
invest vs speculate
clever vs shrewd
eccentric vs weirdo
Connotation and Denotation Assignment
For each pair of words and a phrase, list the one that is positive in the “Positive Connotation” category,
the one that is negative in the “Negative Connotation” category, and the phrase that is a more neutral
definition for both words in the "Denotation" column.
1. gaze, look steadily, stare
2. fragrance, odor, a smell sensed by the olfactory nerve
3. brainwash, persuade, influence one way or another
4. delayed, not on time, tardy
5. somewhat interested, nosy, curious
6. lazily, without haste, leisurely
7. ask of someone, demand, request 8. gathering, a large group, mob
9. slim, skinny, less than average build
10. discuss with others, debate, argue
11. observe, watch, spy
12. a young age, youthful, immature
13. not having a care, irresponsible, carefree,
14. unique, not commonly found, strange
15. find, detect, snoop
16. inexpensive, fairly priced, or cheap
17. isolation, privacy, having an opportunity to be alone
18. assertive, firmly confident, pushy
19. extravagance, generosity, giving much
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Negative Connotation
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A euphemism is a generally innocuous word or expression used in place of one that may be found
offensive or suggest something unpleasant.
The expressions in italics are euphemisms. What do they probably mean?
1. She was less favored by beauty than her sister.
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2. Someone borrowed money from my locker without asking me.
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3. I just bought a pre‐owned car yesterday.
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4. I just won a lunch reservation from Mr. Simon.
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5. The caretaker does an excellent job at Braden.
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6. I got in a bit of trouble for stretching the truth about the broken lamp.
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7. Now I’m headed for the correctional facility again.
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8. Where do I work? Actually, I’m between jobs at the moment.
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9. Now that I’m getting up there in years I don’t like birthdays so much.
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10. Eric’s driving skills leave plenty of room for improvement.
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