Vocabulary in Context & Connotation/Denotation English II

Why is important to understand how to identify the meaning of words in context? ACT EOC Social Studies Science Reading Comprehension Listening to others Job/Career College

Antonym or Contrast Clue Unlike his quiet and low key family, Brad is garrulous.

Definition or Example Clue Sedentary individuals, people who are not very active, often have diminished health.

General Knowledge Larry is always sucking up to the boss, even in front of others. That sycophant just doesn’t care what others think of his behavior.

Restatement or Synonym Clue The dromedary, commonly called a camel, stores fat in its hump.

Let’s practice how to guess words in context! Example Sentence: The snake slithered through the grass. He was hunting. a) Stopped moving Incorrect: the sentence above says through the grass. ‘Through’ means there is some movement. b) Slept in the grass Incorrect: the sentence above says he is hunting. Snakes don’t sleep when they hung. c) Ate something Incorrect: the sentence above says he is hunting. Snakes don’t eat when they are hunting. They eat AFTER they hunt. d) Moved or traveled Correct: the sentence above says through the grass. ‘Through’ means there is some movement.

When Sara was sick, her voice was almost inaudible. We couldn't hear what she was trying to say clearly. The hill was too arduous for us to climb. We had to walk our bicycles up the hill. Let’s practice how to guess words in context!

Try one on your own. Refer to worksheet. Let’s practice how to guess words in context!

Connotation/Denotation Denotation  The dictionary definition of the word  Does not hold any emotional meaning  EXAMPLE: Skinny and Thin = Cheap and Inexpensive = Connotation  Symbolizes the degree of a word  The emotional feelings attached to the word  EXAMPLE: Skinny: Thin: Cheap: Inexpensive:

Step to Figuring out Connotation Know the denotation  Hardworking + Workaholic = Know if the word is positive or negative  Hardworking = positive  Workaholic = negative Know the implied meaning which makes it positive or negative  Hardworking = effective, doesn’t give up  Workaholic = Unbalanced, too intense

Let’s practice connotation/denotation If the denotation of the word chatty is talking a lot, then what is the connotation of the word as it is used in this sentence?  Jenna is chatty when in a class with her friends. A contributor to class discussion Rude and disrespectful Talkative Friendly