C O N T A I D E N O T A I

Diction Author’s word choice When an author chooses certain words to describe someone or something you understand how they feel toward that subject. Instead of saying someone is short – you could say they are vertically challenged Strong-willed vs. Pig – headed

Denotation The Dictionary definition – the literal meaning Think Dictionary and Denotation both start with a D!

Denotation Denotation of Mustang is a wild strong horse of North America, of Spanish descent.

Connotation The ideas or feeling associated with a word; emotional connection. Think of your Connection to a word is the Connotation of it

Connotation Connotation of mustang would be a fast, quick, strong, car

Which would you rather described as: A chef or a cook? Ambitious or greedy? Inexpensive or cheap? Slow or stupid?

Positive Connotation: Being on the track team has made Alan slender and lean. (attractively thin) Neutral Connotation: Being on the track team has made Alan thin. Negative Connotation: Being on the track team has made Alan skinny and scrawny. (unattractively thin)

To whom it concerns, Ms. Baxter has been a costly employee of this company for three years. In that time, she has expressed many militant opinions. Her methods of solving problems are sometimes bizarre. In short, she is a real show-off. To whom it concerns, Ms. Baxter has been a valuable employee of this company for three years. In that time, she has expressed many strong opinions. Her methods of solving problems are sometimes unusual. In short, she is a real leader.

I was surprised to get a birthday gift from my Aunt Joanna I was surprised to get a birthday gift from my Aunt Joanna. She is (an inquisitive person, a real snoop), so she had asked many of my relatives what I might like. I tore the (colorful, gaudy) paper off the package and found a shirt made of (flimsy, delicate) material. It was covered with (detailed, fussy) embroidery and (flashy, eye-catching) sequins. It certainly was a(n) (strange, exotic) present.