1. Denotation and Connotation
The Meanings of Words
Denotation and Connotation

2. Connotation vs. Denotation
Almost every word has two kinds of meanings…
Denotation:
the straightforward dictionary definition
Connotation:
the ideas and feelings associated with the word

3. There are three types of connotations:
a. POSITIVE – a good thing
b. NEGATIVE – a bad thing
c. NEUTRAL- not good or bad; indifferent; used when you or the author don’t want to show strong emotions either way

4. For Example Positive Neutral Negative That’s a glamorous necklace.
That’s a nice necklace.
That’s a gaudy necklace.
The model was slender.
The model was thin.
The model was scrawny.

5. Practice
For the following pairs of terms, Give a short explanation of why you might like to be described by one term, but not the other. Also, identify whether the word you picked has a positive, negative or neutral connotation.
firm or stubborn
flexible or wishy-washy
original or weird
scholar or bookworm
arrogant or proud

6. Euphemism
A euphemism is a word or term that has mild or vague connotations and that serves to mask the offensiveness or harshness of the actual word or term. What euphemisms are used in our society?

7. Euphemisms in our Society
Passed away = dead
be excused, restroom=bathroom
lose your lunch= vomit
between jobs=unemployed
full figured= over weight
put to sleep= killed

8. Euphemisms in The Giver
Birthmother= forced pregnancy
Nurturer= orphanage worker
Stirrings= puberty
Release= death
Elsewhere= What do you think?
Did Lois Lowry use mostly positive, negative, or neutrally connotative language in The Giver? Support your argument with text evidence.