Denotation vs. Connotation Be sure to take notes in your writer’s notebook!

Denotation A word’s DENOTATION is its dictionary definition. For example the denotation of the word FLAG is: a piece of cloth, usually attached at one edge to a staff or cord, and used as the symbol of a nation. Way to Remember: Da Denotation of Da Word is Da Definition. Denotation = Definition

Connotation A word’s CONNOTATION is the ideas or emotions associated with the word. For example the connotation of the word FLAG is: freedom, liberty, justice, honor, and sacrifice. Way to Remember: Connotation is what pops into your head when you think of a word.

Good and Bad Connotations Consider the words: illustrious, famous, and notorious The denotations (dictionary definitions) of these words all describe someone who is well-known But the connotations are much different: Illustrious- someone who is admired Famous- neutral Notorious- someone who is well-known for something bad.

Which has a more positive connotation? 1. slim skinny 2. new unproven 3. cheap inexpensive 4. thrifty miserly 5. invest gamble 6. trailer mobile home

Provide different connotations Positive Negative Car ______________ _____________ Speak ______________ _____________ Walk ______________ _____________

Loaded Words Uprising Riot Demonstration Unlawful gathering Protest List #1 List #2 Imprison Relocate Incarcerate Intern Evacuate Detain Lock-up Confine What is the general denotation? Uprising Riot Demonstration Unlawful gathering Protest Disturbance What is the general denotation?

She _______ his favorite shirt. tore shredded cut

After reading her e-mail, he waited 10 days and _________ a response to her. Dashed off Composed Wrote

They wandered through the park one ______ day. Dark Gloomy shady

Bias A person might use—perhaps unconsciously—words with a positive or negative connotation that supports a bias. Bias is an attitude formed ahead of time that keeps a person from looking at a subject objectively. It’s important to know the bias of an author or speaker so that you can better evaluate what you read and hear. Look for bias in the headlines below.

Which headline would you rather read? 1. Which headline would you be likely to find in the Cubs’ hometown paper? Cubs Trounce Cards 5–3 Cards’ Effort Falls Short; Cubs Win 5–3 2. Which newspaper favors the development project? a. Mall to Destroy 300 Homes b. Mall to Bring 3,000 Jobs