Connotation & Denotation

Objectives: I CAN understand the difference between a word’s dictionary definition and the feelings the word represents. I CAN learn and correctly use sixth grade appropriate words and phrases. I CAN use different reference sources, such as dictionaries and thesauruses, to find the meaning of a word.

Denotation Denotation is the dictionary definition of a word. D=Dictionary

Connotation Connotation is the emotional, cultural, and imaginative meaning surrounding a word. A connotation can be positive or negative. C = Connection

Neutral Words Some words do not have a connotation. They do not have a positive or negative feeling. They are neutral.

What does the word “chicken” mean in these titles?

Example On your paper, label each word as positive (+), negative (-), or neutral (n). home house residence shack

Although the denotation is technically the same, these words have very different connotations.

Connotations home: cozy, loving, comfortable house: the actual building residence: cold, no feeling shack: old, run down

Turn on your listening ears Turn on your listening ears. Use your marker board to answer my questions. If something doesn’t cost a lot, we can call it either CHEAP or INEXPENSIVE.

When something has never been there before, we can call that either NEW or UNPROVEN.

When someone is very careful with their money, we can call them either STINGY or THRIFTY.

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. Write your answers on your marker board. Number from 1-5 and write your answers (A-E) next to each number.

proper A. sly brave B. pushy aggressive C. smirk clever D. reckless smile E. snobby

Answers 1. proper 2. brave 3. aggressive 4. clever 5. smile E. snobby D. reckless B. pushy A. sly C. smirk

Choose the word that correctly completes each sentence by matching the connotation of each sentence. “The sooner we move out of this (home, dump),” said Jack, “the happier I’ll be.” This cell phone is (expensive, overpriced), but I don’t mind paying the extra because it has so many extra features. You’re lucky to have Gina on your committee. She has a lot of (original, crazy) ideas. It was a beautiful spring day, and the (stench, scent) of apple blossoms filled the whole yard. Will you please turn the stereo off? I can’t concentrate with all that (music, noise). I hope I don’t have to share an office with Janice. Sandra told me how (curious, nosy) Janice can be.

“Let’s Sort it Out!” You and your partner will complete the “Let’s Sort it Out” center together. This center includes nine sets of words. The answer card has the denotation (definition) of each word pair. Two word cards match each denotation. One word has a positive connotation and one word has a negative connotation. Place each card in the correct box to indicate its connotation. You may use a dictionary or a thesaurus if you need help with a definition. Record your answers on the answer sheet.

Let’s sum it up! What is the denotation of a word? What is the connotation of a word? What types of connotation can a word have?

Gingerbread House for Sale You will design an advertisement flyer to sell your gingerbread house. The ad should include a hand drawn picture of your gingerbread house.

Provide DETAILS about your house! The ad should also include: a description of your house (# of bedrooms, # of bathrooms, kitchen details, flooring, anything your house might have that a buyer would want) the price of your house ($000,000) the house’s location (is it near a particular attraction?) your contact information (not your real info.) the name of your real estate company or you may sell your home by owner.