Denotation vs. Connotation SOL 7.4 c- Students will identify connotations
Denotation: The actual dictionary definition of a word
Connotation Emotional and imaginative association surrounding a word; the meaning given to a word through its use in a society or culture
For example: Annette was surprised Annette was amazed. Annette was astonished. The words are synonyms (denotations), but they have slightly different connotations.
Synonyms can often have a positive, neutral, or negative connotation Synonyms can often have a positive, neutral, or negative connotation. For example, the synonyms scrawny and slim have similar denotations, (thin or not having much weight) but most people would rather be called slim than scrawny.
Would you rather be called determined…
Or pig-headed? The Denotation of both words means stubborn or strong-willed, but our Connotation of both words is much different!!
How about eccentric…
Or weird?? Similar denotations, but much different connotations!
How about these? Previously-owned or Used?
Many words have different denotations and connotations Hot Storm
Child Dark
Home Tired
For quick discussion: Do the following pairs of words contain positive, neutral, or negative connotations? thrifty penny-pinching pushy aggressive politician statesman chef cook devout fanatical
alone story amateur common dull chicken issues green old neverending Now get with a partner and try to come up with the denotation and connotation of the following words. Be prepared to explain how context can affect meaning: story amateur common dull alone chicken issues green old neverending