Denotation versus Connotation: Word Meanings and Nuances

Denotation versus Connotation: Word Meanings and Nuances

What is Denotation?

• The denotation of a word or phrase is its explicit or direct meaning. Another way to think of it is as the associations that a word usually elicits for most speakers of a language, as distinguished from those elicited for any individual speaker because of personal experience.

• For example, the words home and house have similar denotations or primary meanings: a home is “a shelter that is the usual residence of a person, family, or household,” and a house is “a building in which people live.”

What is Connotation?

• The connotation of a word or phrase is the associated or secondary meaning; it can be something suggested or implied by a word or thing, rather than being explicitly named or described.

• However, for many, these terms carry different associations or secondary meanings, also known as connotations. Many people would agree that home connotes a sense of belonging and comfort, whereas house conveys little more than a structure.

So what's the difference?

• Denotative Meaning: the dictionary definistion of the word.

• For example, the word "curious" and the word "nosy" both have this denotative meaning: "eager to know or learn something."

• Connotative Meaning: an emotional or cultural association given to a word.

• The word "curious" has a positive connotative meaning. We associate it with passionate and thoughtful people.

• The word "nosy" has a NEGATIVE connotative meaning. We associate it with people who get overly involved with other people's lives.

Multiple Choice

Of the following words, _________ has the most positive connotation.

• skipping

• walking

• sulking

• running

Multiple Choice

Which word conveys the most negative connotation of the word house?

• dwelling

• residence

• cabin

• shack

Multiple Choice

Which sentence has the most negative connotation?

• We caught the aroma of the fast-food place.

• We caught the smell of the fast- food place.

• We caught the stench of the fast- food place.

• We caught the odor of the fast-food place.

Multiple Choice

Of the following words, _______ is the one that is most extreme.

• smart

• clever

• intelligent

• brillant

• bright

Multiple Choice

An emotional or cultural association given to a word is...

• Connotative Meaning

• Denotative Meaning

Multiple Choice

The dictionary definition of a word is

• Connotative Meaning

• Denotative Meaning

Open Ended

What have you learned about Dentotation and Connotation?

Poll

How confident do you feel about passing the Word Meanings and Nuances Focus area?

• Very Confident

• Somewhat Confident

• I need to study a lot more!