1. Denotation Connotation
Word Analysis, Fluency,
and Systematic Vocabulary Development
Denotation
Connotation

2. Denotation and Connotation
Reading – Word Analysis
Denotation and Connotation
UNUSUAL UNUSUAL
Denotation - extraordinary Connotation - bizarre

3. Good writers choose their words for
the effects they have upon their
readers. Word choice is also a clue to
the writer’s attitude toward his/her
subject – tone.

4. They think about the denotation
of a word – its dictionary meaning
and the connotation – the implied
meanings and associations when
choosing words.

5. Denotation Connotation is the literal meaning of a word
is adding attitude to a word

6. A word can have positive or negative
associations or connotations. Study the
following chart.
Word
Positive
Connotation
Negative
plain
easy
gawky
unusual
extraordinary
bizarre
firm
determined
unyielding

7. Connotation Denotation infant girl friend “She’s my baby.”
Here is a sample of a word that has denotative meaning and connotative associations:
“She’s my baby.”
Denotation
infant
Connotation
girl friend

8. The soccer goalie was a real player. (discuss the denotative meaning)
Now let’s try one together:
The word player can have two meanings.
The soccer goalie was a real player.
(discuss the denotative meaning)

9. The soccer goalie was a real player. (discuss the connotative meaning)
The word player can have two meanings.
The soccer goalie was a real player.
Denotation:
one who plays in a game
(discuss the connotative meaning)

10. The soccer goalie was a real player.
The word player can have two meanings.
The soccer goalie was a real player.
Connotation
one who uses people

11. Here are some words that have denotative and connotative meanings
Here are some words that have denotative and connotative meanings. On your paper, create a chart like the one below and identify the denotative and connotative meanings of the following words.
Word
Denotation
Connotation
brutal
commitment
tight

12. The word brutal can have two meanings.
The fight scene in the Two Towers between the Orcs and the travelers was brutal.
Denotation
extremely cruel
Connotation
violent to the point
of entertaining

13. brutal commitment tight
Word
Denotation
Connotation
brutal
extremely
cruel
violent to the point of entertaining
commitment
tight

14. Connotation a pledge to do The word commitment can have two meanings.
The couple has a commitment to each other.
Denotation
a pledge to do
Connotation
an emotional
connection to
another person

15. brutal commitment tight
Word
Denotation
Connotation
brutal
extremely
cruel
violent to the point of entertaining
commitment
a pledge to do
an emotional connection to another person
tight

16. The word tight can have two meanings.
The dress she was wearing was really tight.
Denotation
fixed firmly in place
Connotation
good, fantastic, awesome

17. brutal commitment tight
Word
Denotation
Connotation
brutal
extremely
cruel
violent to the point of entertaining
commitment
a pledge to do
an emotional connection to another person
tight
fixed firmly in place
good, fantastic, awesome

18. 1. relaxed inactive lazy 2. prudent timid cowardly 3. modest shy mousy
Favorable
Neutral
Unfavorable 1.
relaxed
inactive
lazy 2.
prudent
timid
cowardly 3.
modest
shy
mousy 4.
time-tested
old
out-of-date 5.
dignified
reserved
stiff-necked 6.
persevering
persistent
stubborn 7.
up-to-date
new
newfangled 8.
thrifty
conservative
miserly 9.
self-confident
proud
conceited
10.
inquisitive
curious
nosy

19. Read each list of words below.
Each word has a different connotation, but has the same general denotation.
Decide what the general denotation is for each group.
Write your answer on the line provided.
Then, number the words in each group from most positive connotation to most negative connotation. 1 being the most positive, 5 being the most negative.

20. ___ guerilla ___ freedom fighter ___ mercenary ___ soldier ___ terrorist
____________ (general denotation)

21. ___ uprising ___ riot ___ demonstration ___ unlawful gathering ___ protest ___ disturbance
____________ (general denotation)

22. ___ prisoner ___ evacuee ___ internee ___ detainee ___ inmate
____________ (general denotation)

23. ___ prisoner ___ evacuee ___ internee ___ detainee ___ inmate
____________ (general denotation)

24. Homework
Go back to slide 18 and write one sentence for each of the words. Make sure that your sentence reflects the connotation of the word (i.e. if it is a negative connotation your sentence should have a negative feeling.)