Connotation and Denotation

Denotation &
Connotation

Would you rather be called...

1. nosy OR curious?

2. persistent OR annoying?

3. lazy OR relaxed?

Connection

What is denotation?

Denotation is simply- the word’s most
literal meaning. (its dictionary definition)

It doesn’t have any emotions (good or bad) attached to it.

​Denotation is the dictionary definition.
(Use that alliteration to help you remember what it is.)

What is connotation?

The emotions that are attached to the word

Words with negative
connotation:
●

scrawny

●

cheap

●

cackle

●

late

●

childish

Words with positive
connotation:
●

slender

●

inexpensive

●

giggle

●

delayed

●

youthful

The smell of coffee was in the air.

Denotation: smell


What replacements could have a positive or negative connotation?

Open Ended

List words with a NEGATIVE connotation that could replace "smell" in this sentence:

The smell of coffee was in the air.

Open Ended

List words with a POSITIVE connotation that could replace "smell" in this sentence:

The smell of coffee was in the air.

​The smell of coffee was in the air.

Denotation: smell, was




The aroma of coffee floated in the air.

The stench of coffee hung in the air.

Teaching point:

A word’s connotation is different than its
denotation.

A word’s connotation can change its
meaning, so writers have to choose their words carefully.

Turn and Talk

What words could you use to describe a rainy day?

Sort them into positive, negative, and neutral categories.

Open Ended

List words with a NEGATIVE connotation that could be used to describe a rainy day.

downpour
deluge
soaked
gloomy
soggy
muddy
drenching
splatter
slosh
dreary

Some possibilities:

Open Ended

List words with a POSITIVE connotation that could be used to describe a rainy day.

refreshing
rhythmic
steady
soothing
quenching
patter
cozy
calming
drizzle

Some possibilities:

Multiple Choice

the literal, dictionary definition of a word

• connotation

• denotation

• simile

• hyperbole

Multiple Choice

the implied meaning of a word that includes the emotions or connections it brings to the reader

• connotation

• denotation

• alliteration

• allusion

Multiple Choice

Denotations of words can be positive or negative.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Connotations of words can be positive or negative.

• True

• False