Denotation and Connotation The Meanings of Words Denotation and Connotation

Connotation vs. Denotation Almost every word has two kinds of meanings… Denotation: the straightforward dictionary definition Connotation: the ideas and feelings associated with the word

There are three types of connotations: a. POSITIVE – a good thing b. NEGATIVE – a bad thing c. NEUTRAL- not good or bad; indifferent; used when you or the author don’t want to show strong emotions either way

For Example Positive Neutral Negative That’s a glamorous necklace. That’s a nice necklace. That’s a gaudy necklace. The model was slender. The model was thin. The model was scrawny.

Practice For the following pairs of terms, Give a short explanation of why you might like to be described by one term, but not the other. Also, identify whether the word you picked has a positive, negative or neutral connotation. firm or stubborn flexible or wishy-washy original or weird scholar or bookworm arrogant or proud

Euphemism A euphemism is a word or term that has mild or vague connotations and that serves to mask the offensiveness or harshness of the actual word or term. What euphemisms are used in our society?

Euphemisms in our Society Passed away = dead be excused, restroom=bathroom lose your lunch= vomit between jobs=unemployed full figured= over weight put to sleep= killed

Euphemisms in The Giver Birthmother= forced pregnancy Nurturer= orphanage worker Stirrings= puberty Release= death Elsewhere= What do you think? Did Lois Lowry use mostly positive, negative, or neutrally connotative language in The Giver? Support your argument with text evidence.