Connotation & Denotation

Connotation & Denotation

How does Poe use connotation to create mood? 

How can I use connotation to create different effects in my writing?

Poll

Which sounds like a more positive character trait?

• curious

• nosy

Poll

Which sounds more cozy?

• home

• house

Poll

Which sounds more menacing?

• anonymous

• unidentified

Connotation vs. Denotation

• Connotation is the emotional and imaginative association surrounding a word.

• Denotation is the strict dictionary meaning of a word.

Another example...

• Hitting closer to home, the word wildcat has a specific connotation for us in particular. 

• The denotation of wildcat is: a small native Eurasian and African cat that is typically gray with black markings and a bushy tail, noted for its ferocity.

• But when we think of the word wildcat, we think of OJR, school pride, red and white, etc. That is the connotation of wildcat – for us. 

Open Ended

The following group of words could be considered synonyms. Their meanings are similar:

smart, shrewd, cunning, brilliant, clever, intelligent

On your own -- rank these words in order from most positive connotation to most negative connotation.

How closely does your list match mine?

brilliant ~ intelligent ~ smart ~ clever ~ cunning ~ shrewd

Though they mean similar things, these words might trigger different emotional reactions in readers (connotation). A person might admire someone who is intelligent, but be wary of someone who is cunning.

Multiple Choice

Which word's connotation is appropriate to the sentence?

The Senator introduced his ____ to the guests.

• mother

• mommy

Multiple Choice

Which word's connotation is appropriate to the sentence?

The Duchess of Cambridge delicately ___ her soup.

• slurped

• sipped

Poll

How well do you feel you understand connotation?

• I get it and could explain it to someone else.

• I don't get it.

• I'm getting it but would like more practice.

Why does it matter?

Writers may choose words with certain connotative associations to create an emotional response for readers.  

At the same time, writers need to be aware of connotation so that they do not send an unintended message to readers.

Open Ended

Brainstorm! Pictured here is an igloo. What are some adjectives (describing words) you could use if you were a realtor trying to sell this house?

You can't lie about the property, you have to describe what's there. Think -- positive connotation! GO!

Open Ended

How does Poe use connotation to create mood in his writing? Include an example from "The Tell-Tale Heart."

Multiple Select

Previewing connotation: Place a check next to each word that would likely have a positive connotation for people.

• vermin

• biscuits

• sugar bowl

• gobs of toothpaste

• sewers

Multiple Select

Previewing connotation: Place a check next to each word that would likely have a positive connotation for people.

• scrambling

• explore

• browse

• spied

• linger

Connotation & Author's Tone

cockroach: (noun) any of an order of nocturnal insects, usually brown with flattened oval bodies, some species of which are household pests inhabiting kitchens, areas around water pipes, etc. (Spanish cucaracha) 

Poll

Which poet succeeds in giving roaches favorable connotations?

• Christopher Morley ("Nursery Rhymes for the Tender-Hearted")

• Peter Wild ("Roaches")

Open Ended

How does the connotation in each poem contribute to the author’s tone? Support your response with the strongest example from EACH poem.

Journal Entry

• Describe the picture objectively in 5-8 sentences. Use some of the following words:

• slow, quiet, cloudy, strong, hold, rocky, calm, cold, confident, careful

Synonym Ranking

• Go to https://www.wordsmyth.net/ 

• In the search bar, type the word you are investigating and then click “Go”

• With your group, discuss ALL of the definitions. Choose the one that makes sense in the context of the journal entry you wrote

• Rank 4-6 synonyms / similar words / related words in order according to their connotation, starting with the most positive.

• Post your findings on the Padlet.

Revise 

Look over the synonyms posted for each word. Rewrite your original journal entry, replacing some of your underlined words with synonyms with stronger connotation.   

Open Ended

REFLECT: Look over your paragraph with the revisions you made. How does it change the paragraph?