Connotation and Denotation

Front

What is denotation?

Back

Denotation is the literal or dictionary definition of a word, without any emotional associations.

Front

What is connotation?

Back

Connotation refers to the emotional or cultural associations that a word carries, beyond its literal meaning.

Front

Give an example of a word with a positive connotation.

Back

'Youthful' has a positive connotation, suggesting energy and vitality.

Front

Give an example of a word with a negative connotation.

Back

'Stingy' has a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of generosity.

Front

What does it mean if a word has a neutral connotation?

Back

A neutral connotation means the word does not evoke strong emotional responses, such as 'car' or 'tree'.

Front

How can context clues help determine connotation?

Back

Context clues are words or phrases surrounding a word that provide hints about its emotional tone or meaning.

Front

What is the connotation of the word 'slim'?

Back

The word 'slim' has a positive connotation, often associated with being fit or attractive.

Front

What is the connotation of the word 'skinny'?

Back

The word 'skinny' has a negative connotation, often implying being unhealthy or underweight.

Front

Why is understanding connotation important in writing?

Back

Understanding connotation helps writers choose words that convey the desired tone and emotion.

Front

What is an example of a word that can have both positive and negative connotations?

Back

The word 'assertive' can be positive (confident) or negative (aggressive) depending on context.