Connotation and Denotation

Denotation The literal definition of a word. Example— Home: the place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household.

Connotation The related ideas or feelings associated with a word. Can be either positive or negative. What connotations does the word “home” have? Are they mostly positive or negative?

Important! When you’re trying to figure out what connotations a word has, try to think of what the most common connotations would be. The word “summer” might have negative connotations for you, but it’s usually written about in a positive way in poems and stories.

Now you try! With a partner, come up a list of at least three images, feelings, or ideas for each of the following words. Then, decide whether each word has a negative or positive connotation. Spring Delicate Cramped