THE FEELING OF A WORD Connotation

Definition of Connotation “con” = together “nota” = words “tion” = state or act “The emotional feeling or cultural association a word evokes in addition to its dictionary definition.”

Negative to Positive Example of words with negative connotation: skinny chick pushy cowardly nag out of date Example of words with positive connotation: lean woman assertive prudent remind time tested

Can you change the connotation? Bum vs. Homeless 1) ________ vs. Inexpensive 2) Childish vs. ________ 3) Conceited vs. ________ Cowardly vs. Prudent Crippled vs. Disabled 4) ________ vs. Challenging Fired vs. Terminated 5) __________ vs. Elderly

POSITIVE ~ NEUTRAL ~ NEGATIVE SELF ‐ CONFIDENT PROUD ARROGANT DIGNIFIED RESERVED SNOBBY MODEST SHY MOUSY VENERABLE ELDERLY OLD THRIFTY CONSERVATIVE MISERLY SLENDER THIN SKINNY Some words have neurtral connotation

Authorial Intent Authors use connotation to manipulate reader emotions or demonstrate a character's bias.  Ex: In Of Mice and Men, Crooks is described as a “nigger” and a “cripple” and Curley’s Wife is called a “tart.” How can we tell if it is the author or character who holds the bias?

Now you try! Your teacher will give you a card with a word from Fahrenheit 451. On the back, write the dictionary definition, the context from the book, and the connotation. Then post your word to the class wall!

Now you try! 1. With your natural partner, define the words from “The Undercover Parent” and check how they are used in the article. 2. Decide if the connotation is positive, negative, or neutral. How does the author want us to feel about this thing? 3. Finally, rank the words 1-11, from the most positive (#1) to the most negative (#11). Be ready to share your answers with the class.