Shades of Meaning

Prior Knowledge: Synonym: Words that have the meaning or about the same meaning. Example: big and large Similar: Same or alike

Shades of Meaning

Checking for Understanding On your white boards write a synonym for the word mad.

Concept Development Shades of Meaning: Shades of meaning is a phrase used to describe the small, subtle differences in meaning between similar words or phrases

Concept Development Denotation: Dictionary meaning Example: Woman and lady both refer to a female adult. Connotation: Feelings and ideas that have become attached to certain words. Example: Even though woman and lady both refer to a female adult, lady suggests one who is well-mannered and refined or proper.

Concept Development A word’s connotation can be positive or negative. A word with a positive connotation calls up good feelings; a word with negative connotation calls up bad feelings. Example: Fragrant is positive, but smelly is negative.

Shades of Meaning Example: 'kid' and 'youth' both refer to young people, but carry differing views and ideas about young people.

Read the two sentences, and discuss the differences between them. Ben walked quietly down the hallway. Ben walked softly down the hallway. Even though both sentences tell you that Ben isn’t making much noise as he walks down the hallway, there is a difference. The first one suggests that he is walking without talking and the second suggests he is walking carefully placing each foot in front of the other not trying to make noise.

Read the two sentences, and discuss the differences between them. She was annoyed with her little brother. She was angry with her little brother. Even though both tell you she isn’t happy with her brother, there is a difference. The first one suggests she is being bothered by her brother and the second one suggests she is mad at her brother.

Closure What is Shades of meaning? Why is it important? How can you make sure you are using the correct shade of meaning?