1. Denotation vs. Connotation
SOL 7.4 c- Students will identify connotations

2. Denotation:
The actual dictionary definition of a word

3. Connotation
Emotional and imaginative association surrounding a word; the meaning given to a word through its use in a society or culture

4. For example: Annette was surprised Annette was amazed.
Annette was astonished.
The words are synonyms (denotations), but they have slightly different connotations.

5. Synonyms can often have a positive, neutral, or negative connotation
Synonyms can often have a positive, neutral, or negative connotation. For example, the synonyms scrawny and slim have similar denotations, (thin or not having much weight) but most people would rather be called slim than scrawny.

6. Would you rather be called determined…

7. Or pig-headed?
The Denotation of both words means stubborn or strong-willed, but our Connotation of both words is much different!!

8. How about eccentric…

9. Or weird??
Similar denotations, but much different connotations!

10. How about these?
Previously-owned or
Used?

11. Many words have different denotations and connotations
Hot
Storm

12. Child
Dark

13. Home
Tired

14. For quick discussion:
Do the following pairs of words contain positive, neutral, or negative connotations?
thrifty penny-pinching
pushy aggressive
politician statesman
chef cook
devout fanatical

15. alone story amateur common dull chicken issues green old neverending
Now get with a partner and try to come up with the denotation and connotation of the following words. Be prepared to explain how context can affect meaning:
story
amateur
common
dull
alone
chicken
issues
green
old
neverending