Connotation & Denotation

Front

What is denotation?

Back

Denotation is the literal or primary meaning of a word, the dictionary definition.

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

The word 'youthful' has a positive connotation, suggesting energy and vitality.

Front

Give an example of a word with a negative connotation.

Back

The word 'slimy' has a negative connotation, suggesting something unpleasant or deceitful.

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 'book' or 'table'.

Front

How can context affect the connotation of a word?

Back

Context can change how a word is perceived; for example, 'home' can have a warm, positive connotation, while 'shack' has a negative one.

Front

What is the connotation of the word 'childish'?

Back

The word 'childish' often has a negative connotation, implying immaturity.

Front

What is the connotation of the word 'childlike'?

Back

The word 'childlike' has a positive connotation, suggesting innocence and wonder.

Front

Why is understanding connotation important in writing?

Back

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

Front

What is an example of a word with a neutral connotation?

Back

The word 'vehicle' has a neutral connotation, simply referring to a mode of transportation.