denotation and connotation

Denotation and Connotation

"The Choices We Make"

DICTION -

An author’s DICTION - is the author's choice of words -

Word choice often has an effect on the reader.

Author's words may be literal -(denotation).

Author's words may have a connotation

Author's words may have figurative meanings. 

Denotation- Dictionary Meaning

A word's Denotation is the dictionary meaning of a word; it is the literal meaning of a word;

EXAMPLE: the dictionary definition of weasel:

weasel: a small carnivorous mammal with short legs and elongated body and neck. 

 

Sentence: The weasel dug a deep hole in my vegetable garden.

Connotation - Emotional Connection

A word's connotation shows the emotions connected or associated to a word.

The emotions can be either positive or negative.

A NEUTRAL connotation has no real emotions connected to it.

Example: Negative connotation

Connotation connection to weasel is sneaky; not to be trusted

     Your weasel of a friend always seems to forget his money when you go out to eat together.

Connotations: Positive and Negative

Neutral Connotation: thin

Positive Connotation: slender

Negative Connotation: skinny

Many of my friends would like to be slender like the models they see in magazines.

Stacy is so skinny that her clothes never look right on her.

Neutral Connotation: questioning

Positive Connotation: curious

Negative Connotation: nosy

Neutral Connotation: different

Positive Connotation: unique

Negative Connotation: weird