1. Finish 11-20 on DO, IO, PN, PA SHEET FROM FRIDAY.
WARM UP
Finish on DO, IO, PN, PA SHEET FROM FRIDAY.

2. Denotation, Connotation, and Shades of Meaning
Words! Words! Words!
Denotation, Connotation, and Shades of Meaning

3. Essential Questions
How do I distinguish the connotations of words with similar denotations?
How do I use connotations to empower my writing and speaking?

4. What is denotation? Denotation is the dictionary definition of a word.
Most words will have several dictionary definitions.
It is easy to use the dictionary to learn what the word means.

5. What is connotation?
The connotation of a word is the ideas or feelings that are associated with that word.
Those ideas and feelings will have an individual interpretation based on each person’s experiences.
Connotations can be based on culture also. Therefore, English speaking Americans will have similar feelings about many English words we use and hear each day.

6. Synonyms with Subtle Differences
In addition to connotative differences, words also have varying shades of meaning.
For example:
Hot VS Torrid
Varying meanings give words varying connotations.

7. Which has a more positive image?
Statesman
Politician
Since statesman has a more positive image, it has a more positive connotation.

8. Quarrel and Fight
Which has a more negative connotation?

9. Why do we need so many words that mean almost the same thing?
I played a long tennis match yesterday when it was hot. OR
I played an endless tennis match yesterday on the most sweltering day of the year.
Which makes me sound tougher and stronger?

10. So?
You need to make sure you use the correct, precise word you intend or you will sound uninformed.
I could have said __________(instead of uninformed), but it has a very negative connotation!
* ignorant, uneducated, illiterate

11. Why do we need to understand the difference in a word’s denotation and connotation?
People, all of us, want to feel empowered: to affect change, to persuade people, to get what we want.
We need to be aware of the “spins” people can put on arguments so that we don’t get taken advantage of.
We need to sound educated when we try to get others to see things our way.
We need to know how to use the power of words.

12. Connotation Matters
Let’s say that I am really tired of the condition of the roads in my community. I decide to write a letter to the city council to make sure they fix the roads. Which list of words would I include in my letter? Why?
Absolutely
Hazardous
Potholes
Deep
Dangerous
Extreme
Total
Injure
Disaster
Possible
Maybe
Peaceful
Rolling
Small
Smooth
Acceptable
Easy
Lovely

13. Connotation Rank each list from most negative to most positive.
List One
List Two
List Three
stench
elated
thin
odor
happy
gaunt
fragrance
exultant
emaciated
smell
glad
skinny
scent
cheerful
trim
stink
joyful
fit

14. Words Do Matter!
Choose 10 words to label as negative or positive connotations.
The other 10 words will have a picture.