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The Meanings of Words: Denotation and Connotation

The document discusses denotation and connotation of words. Denotation refers to the strict dictionary meaning of a word, while connotation refers to the emotional and imaginative associations surrounding a word. Connotation implies emotions and can be positive or negative. Word choice is important as different words with similar denotations can have very different connotations. The tone and emotion implied by words is what gives them their connotation. Examples are provided to illustrate words with positive versus negative connotations.

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50 views

The Meanings of Words: Denotation and Connotation

The document discusses denotation and connotation of words. Denotation refers to the strict dictionary meaning of a word, while connotation refers to the emotional and imaginative associations surrounding a word. Connotation implies emotions and can be positive or negative. Word choice is important as different words with similar denotations can have very different connotations. The tone and emotion implied by words is what gives them their connotation. Examples are provided to illustrate words with positive versus negative connotations.

Uploaded by

Trixia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Meanings of Words

Denotation and Connotation


Denotation
The strict
dictionary
meaning of a
word
Connotation
The emotional
and imaginative
association
surrounding a
word
Denotation vs. Connotation

• Denotation is the dictionary or literal


meaning of a word.
 Connotative words imply emotions.
Plump = a full, round.
Fat = While similar in meaning to plump,
it has a very harsh and mean tone.
Word Choice
You may live in a
house, but we live
in a home.

The connotation in
this sentence is that
a “home” is much
more than merely
the structure of a
house.
The connotation of a word is
often either positive or negative

Positive Negative

We bought We bought
inexpensive cheap souvenirs
souvenirs at the at the amusement
amusement park. park.
Which word has a positive connotation
and which has a negative one?

 Everyone had a
smirk on his/her
face on the ride
home.
 Everyone had a
smile on his/her
face on the way
home.
Connotation: Negative

I ate a soggy
sandwich.
Another example…
 You look a little odd
today.
 You look really
weird today.
Which one do think
has a stronger, more
negative feel to it?
Which word has a positive
connotation? You Decide!

average mediocre

childish childlike

spit saliva

antique old-fashioned
Connotation
• Opposite of
Denotation
• Implied
Meaning
• May be
Favorable or
unfavorable
Which words have negative
connotations? You Decide!
1. The (odor, fragrance) of apple
blossoms filled the entire valley.

2. A (swarm, bunch) of bees filled the


air near the hive.
Tone = Emotion
 Thetone of the
words is what
evokes a certain
emotion.
Let’s Play...

Word Choice
Word Choice
Positive Negative
Viewpoint Viewpoint

100 100

200 200

300 300
Positive Connotation
 immature

 youthful

 Back to Game
Positive Connotation
 limit

 restrict

 Back to Game
Positive Viewpoint
 filthy

 dirty

 Back to Game
Negative Viewpoint
 stingy

 thrifty

 Back to Game
Negative Viewpoint
 cluttered

 messy

 Back to Game
Negative Viewpoint
 unusual

 weird

 Back to Game
Well Done!

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