Connotation and Denotation

Connotation and Denotation

by Alison Baker

​Watch this video

(use your earbuds!) for examples of connotation and denotation.

​

​https://youtu.be/Q_qn1f-Ukq0

Writers and speakers should be aware of the connotations as well as of the denotations of the words they use.  Likewise, readers should be aware of the possible connotations of the words they read.  Keep in mind that authors make deliberate choices to use certain words.  

Think about why an author makes these choices.

Multiple Choice

Consider these words: slim, scrawny, tiny, emaciated, skinny, lean, trim, thin, skin-and-bones.

Which words have a **POSITIVE** connotation?

• thin, trim, lean, slim

• skinny, tiny

• scrawny, emaciated, skin-and-bones

Multiple Choice

Consider these words: slim, scrawny, tiny, emaciated, skinny, lean, trim, thin, skin-and-bones.

Which words have a **NEUTRAL** connotation?

• thin, trim, lean, slim

• skinny, tiny

• scrawny, emaciated, skin-and-bones

Multiple Choice

Consider these words: slim, scrawny, tiny, emaciated, skinny, lean, trim, thin, skin-and-bones.

Which words have a **NEGATIVE** connotation?

• thin, trim, lean, slim

• skinny, tiny

• scrawny, emaciated, skin-and-bones

Multiple Choice

Consider the words stinky and odorous.

Which word is MORE intense/ has a STRONGER connotation?

• stinky

• odorous

Multiple Choice

Consider the words problem and disaster.

Which word is MORE intense/ has a STRONGER connotation?

• problem

• disaster

Multiple Choice

Consider the words filthy and messy.

Which word is MORE intense/ has a STRONGER connotation?

• filthy

• messy

Multiple Choice

Consider the words nag and remind.

Which word is MORE intense/ has a STRONGER connotation?

• nag

• remind

Multiple Choice

Consider the words unwise and foolish.

Which word is MORE intense/ has a STRONGER connotation?

• unwise

• foolish

Multiple Choice

Consider the words curious and nosy

Which word is MORE intense/ has a STRONGER connotation?

• curious

• nosy

Multiple Choice

Helen was guarded about her private life.  She did not like to give anyone details about herself.

What does the word guarded suggest about Helen in the sentence above?

• She was excited about her life.

• She does not care about her life.

• She is protective over her life.

• She is excited to share about her life.

Multiple Choice

Jaques screamed and pulled his hand away from the ______ water. His hand was bright red and hurting.

Which word would best fit in the blank so the correct connotation is communicated?

• warm

• scalding

• hot

• tepid

Poll

The words cheap, frugal, economical, stingy, thrifty, and prudent all denote (literally mean) “being careful with money.” 

All of these words have the same denotation, but not the same connotation.

WHICH WORDS CONNOTE (communicate) A **NEGATIVE** FEELING?

• Stingy

• Cheap

• Frugal

• Economical

Poll

The words vintage, retro, ancient, old-fashioned, antique, and dated all essentially mean “old.”

All of these words have the same denotation, but not the same connotation.

WHICH WORDS CONNOTE (communicate) A **POSITIVE** FEELING?

• Dated

• Antique

• Vintage

• Old-fashioned