Denotation  Denotation is the dictionary definition of a word.  A car is a road vehicle, typically with four wheels, powered by an internal combustion engine and able to carry a small number of people.  A dog is a domesticated carnivorous mammal that typically has a long snout, an acute sense of smell, and a barking, howling, or whining voice. It is widely kept as a pet or for work or field sports

Connotation  The emotions, attitudes, and associations connected to a word.  Gas Guzzler, Hoopty, Set of Wheels, Junker, “Mom’s Taxi,” “Dad’s Mid-Life Crisis,” “My Freedom,” “My Ride,” “Chick Magnet,” etc.  What connotations do we have for dog?

In the same way, that those cars and dogs evoke certain attitudes and emotions, words do the same.

Connotative/Denotative Sentences  If the sentence is using a word in a defining manner, it is denotative. The classroom is a place for learning. If the sentence associates emotional reactions or cultural perceptions with the meaning, it is connotative. If you have to infer what the word is- it is most likely connotative. I did not want to do business with him because he seemed like a greasy person.

Practice  I drank my Gatorade and knew I would be reenergized enough to finish the game.  I looked down at the picture of Jordan on my shoes and suddenly had the confidence to finish the game.

Practice  When he kneeled, I felt my heart burst with joy. I was so happy to spend my life with him.  Waze is a new app that helps me avoid traffic, cops, and roadblocks.