Finish 11-20 on DO, IO, PN, PA SHEET FROM FRIDAY. WARM UP Finish 11-20 on DO, IO, PN, PA SHEET FROM FRIDAY.

Denotation, Connotation, and Shades of Meaning Words! Words! Words! Denotation, Connotation, and Shades of Meaning

Essential Questions How do I distinguish the connotations of words with similar denotations? How do I use connotations to empower my writing and speaking?

What is denotation? Denotation is the dictionary definition of a word. Most words will have several dictionary definitions. It is easy to use the dictionary to learn what the word means.

What is connotation? The connotation of a word is the ideas or feelings that are associated with that word. Those ideas and feelings will have an individual interpretation based on each person’s experiences. Connotations can be based on culture also. Therefore, English speaking Americans will have similar feelings about many English words we use and hear each day.

Synonyms with Subtle Differences In addition to connotative differences, words also have varying shades of meaning. For example: Hot VS Torrid Varying meanings give words varying connotations.

Which has a more positive image? Statesman Politician Since statesman has a more positive image, it has a more positive connotation.

Quarrel and Fight Which has a more negative connotation?

Why do we need so many words that mean almost the same thing? I played a long tennis match yesterday when it was hot. OR I played an endless tennis match yesterday on the most sweltering day of the year. Which makes me sound tougher and stronger?

So? You need to make sure you use the correct, precise word you intend or you will sound uninformed. I could have said __________(instead of uninformed), but it has a very negative connotation! * ignorant, uneducated, illiterate

Why do we need to understand the difference in a word’s denotation and connotation? People, all of us, want to feel empowered: to affect change, to persuade people, to get what we want. We need to be aware of the “spins” people can put on arguments so that we don’t get taken advantage of. We need to sound educated when we try to get others to see things our way. We need to know how to use the power of words.

Connotation Matters Let’s say that I am really tired of the condition of the roads in my community. I decide to write a letter to the city council to make sure they fix the roads. Which list of words would I include in my letter? Why? Absolutely Hazardous Potholes Deep Dangerous Extreme Total Injure Disaster Possible Maybe Peaceful Rolling Small Smooth Acceptable Easy Lovely

Connotation Rank each list from most negative to most positive. List One List Two List Three stench elated thin odor happy gaunt fragrance exultant emaciated smell glad skinny scent cheerful trim stink joyful fit

Words Do Matter! Choose 10 words to label as negative or positive connotations. The other 10 words will have a picture.