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Denotation and Connotation

Denotation refers to the literal or dictionary definition of a word, which is neutral in tone. Connotation refers to the implied or cultural meanings associated with a word beyond its strict definition. Connotations can be positive, negative, or neutral depending on context. Words with similar denotations can have different connotations, such as "slim" generally being positive whereas "skinny" may be negative. Careful selection of words is important to convey intended meanings and associations.

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256 views15 pages

Denotation and Connotation

Denotation refers to the literal or dictionary definition of a word, which is neutral in tone. Connotation refers to the implied or cultural meanings associated with a word beyond its strict definition. Connotations can be positive, negative, or neutral depending on context. Words with similar denotations can have different connotations, such as "slim" generally being positive whereas "skinny" may be negative. Careful selection of words is important to convey intended meanings and associations.

Uploaded by

Vampyy Gal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Denotation and Connotation

Denotation
 The literal dictionary definition of a word.
Denotations are characterized by a neutral tone.

 For example, slim, thin and skinny have similar


denotations. They each describe a quality of
depth or size.
Connotation
 The meaning, association, or emotion that has come
to be attached to a word.
 unspoken, hidden meaning
 A connotation can be positive or negative,
depending on its context.
 Some words also have a neutral connotation.
 For example, many people would say slim has a
positive connotation, but skinny has a negative one.
thin is used as both negative and positive (neutral)
 •My aunt is economical when she goes grocery
shopping.
-OR-
•My aunt is cheap when she goes grocery shopping.

Denotative Meaning------ save money.


Connotative Meaning------economical(positive)
being careful with one’s money.
cheap (negative) being stingy or miserly
 Selection of words is important

 It can convey a negative or positive meaning


Examples
 lazy or 
relaxed?
Which word has a connotation of criticism?

 victim or loser?

Which word has a more sympathetic connotation?


Positive and Negative
Connotations
 Nature: Rain, Sunrise
 Home vs. House
 No. 13
 Chair
 Colors: Grey, Green
 Animals: Snake, Dove, Fox
Practice
Car #1 Car #2

Automobile Name

Denotation

Connotations

What it indicates you


about driver, speed,
features of car:
Connotation Words
Advertisements
Grapefruit juice is not
specifically for the young
or old, the active or the
inactive. But the use of
imagery here portrays the
juice as highly active
and youthful. The words
“Taste the kick” are active
as well, a much stronger
alternative to a simple
description of the juice’s
flavor.
Neosporin helps
wounds heal faster,
and in this ad, the
viewer closes the
connection between
the separation in the
baseball’s stitching
and a person’s injury.
List of words:
Neutral Connotation Positive Connotation Negative Connotation

inactive relaxed lazy

shy modest mousy


funny Good-humored sarcastic

old time-tested out-of-date

reserved dignified stiff-necked

persistent persevering stubborn

new up-to-date newfangled


conservative thrifty miserly

proud self-confident conceited


curious inquisitive nosy
 helpful link:

 [Link]
/positive-and-negative-connotations-example-
[Link]

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