Denotation and Connotation

Denotation is the literal sense of a word, while connotation is its figurative meaning. The word dumbness for example, denotes "the condition of being mute," and  it connotes "the condition of being stupid."...

What Does This Mean? On your note sheet, write the meanings of these words: Home: House: Residence: Dwelling:

What Does This Mean? The words home, house, residence, and dwelling all have the same basic definition, but the meaning of each word is very different.

What is the definition of home, house, residence, and dwelling? What Does This Mean? What is the definition of home, house, residence, and dwelling? ……Where a person lives at any given time.

What Does This Mean? Even though these four words have the same DENOTATION (DICTIONARY DEFINITION) they all have different meanings, or CONNOTATIONS.

Home: cozy, loving, comfortable House: the actual building What Does This Mean? CONNOTATIONS Home: cozy, loving, comfortable House: the actual building Residence: cold, no feeling Dwelling: primitive or basic surrounding

Denotation Denotation is the strict dictionary meaning of a word. Denotation is the literal meaning of the word. D=Dictionary

C = Colorful or Connection Connotation Connotation is the emotional, cultural, and figurative meaning or association surrounding a word. A connotation of a word can be either positive or negative. C = Colorful or Connection

This is the DENOTATION of the words inexpensive and cheap. Examples If something doesn’t cost a lot, we call it either CHEAP or INEXPENSIVE. This is the DENOTATION of the words inexpensive and cheap. Which word has a positive connotation? A negative connotation?

This is the DENOTATION of the words gambling and investing. Examples When we put money into a chance to make more money we call it either INVESTING or GAMBLING. This is the DENOTATION of the words gambling and investing. Which word has a positive connotation? A negative connotation?

This is the DENOTATION of the words new and unproven. Examples When a product has never been on the market before, we call that either NEW or UNPROVEN. This is the DENOTATION of the words new and unproven. Which word has a positive connotation?

This is the DENOTATION of the words firm and strict. Examples When a teacher or parent talks tough and serious we can call that either FIRM or STRICT This is the DENOTATION of the words firm and strict. Which word has a positive connotation? A negative connotation?

This is the DENOTATION of the words thrifty and miserly. Examples When someone is very careful with their money, we can call them either MISERLY or THRIFTY. This is the DENOTATION of the words thrifty and miserly. Which word has a positive connotation? A negative connotation?

Examples If someone is buying a car, and they can choose a USED or PRE-OWNED vehicle, which has the positive connotation?

Let’s Practice! Remember, a word can have a positive or negative connotation. Using the words on the next slide, match up the positive connotation word with its negative connotation word.

Proper A. Weird Brave B. Outrageous Fascinating C. Smirk Let’s Practice (AP#2) Proper A. Weird Brave B. Outrageous Fascinating C. Smirk Hilarious D. Foolhardy Smile E. Snobby

Which Has the Positive Connotation? (AP#3) Which headline would most likely find in the Chicago Cub’s hometown paper? a. Cubs Destroy Cards 5-3 b. Cards’ Effort Falls Short; Cubs Win 5-3

Which Has the Negative Connotation? Which newspaper does not favor the development project? a. Mall to Destroy 300 Homes b. Mall to Bring 3,000 Jobs

What Does The Word Chicken Mean In These Titles?

Class Activity Bird; fowl food Afraid, scairdy-cat Mutt, mongrel Word Denotation Positive Connotation Negative Connotation Chicken Bird; fowl food Afraid, scairdy-cat Dog Mutt, mongrel Bold courageous Curious Slender scrawny, skinny Smart intelligent Pig Mysterious unique; fascinating Laugh cackle, maniacal