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

2. Denotation is
The strict dictionary meaning of a word.

3. Connotation is
The emotional and imaginative meaning that is associated with a word.
It can evoke a positive or negative emotion.

4. Comparing Denotation vs. Connotation:
Which sentence evokes a negative tone?
1. The plump cat sat in the window all day, basking in the sunlight.
2. The fat cat sat in the window all day, basking in the sunlight.

5. Word Choice You may live in a house, but we live in a home.
The connotation in this sentence is that a “home” is much more than merely the structure of a house.

6. Remember: The connotation of a word is often either positive or negative.
We bought inexpensive souvenirs at the amusement park.
Negative
We bought cheap souvenirs at the amusement park.

7. Which word has a positive connotation and which has a negative one?
Everyone had a smirk on his/her face on the ride home.
Everyone had a smile on his/her face on the way home.
positive

8. Connotation: Negative
I ate a soggy sandwich.

9. Another example… You look a little odd today.
You look really weird today.
Which one do think has a stronger, more negative feel to it?

10. Which word has a positive connotation? You Decide!
average mediocre
childish childlike
spit saliva
antique old-fashioned

11. Connotation Opposite of Denotation Implied Meaning
May be Favorable or unfavorable

12. Which words have negative connotations? You Decide!
1. The (odor, fragrance) of apple blossoms filled the entire valley.
2. A (swarm, bunch) of bees filled the air near the hive.

13. Tone = Emotion
The tone of the words is what evokes a certain emotion.

14. Let’s Play...
Word Choice

15. Word Choice Positive Viewpoint Negative Viewpoint 100 100 200 200 300

16. Positive Connotation
immature
youthful
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17. Positive Connotation
limit
restrict
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18. Positive Viewpoint
filthy
dirty
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19. Negative Viewpoint
stingy
thrifty
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20. Negative Viewpoint
cluttered
messy
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21. Negative Viewpoint
unusual
weird
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22. Well Done!