Denotation and Connotation

READING 5

CYCLE 4 MEETING 4

Study the pictures below then answer the question that follows.

Open Ended

"What do the two pictures make you think or feel? Are they saying the same thing or something or different?

Today, we're learning how words, like pictures, have two levels of meaning: one is what they literally mean and the other is the feelings or ideas they make us think about.

Let’s watch the video on the next slide.

Denotation

The literal or dictionary definition of a word. It’s the straightforward, objective meaning that doesn’t depend
on emotions, cultural associations, or personal interpretations. Denotation remains consistent across
contexts.

Example: She bought three red roses for Valentine’s day.
roses = a flower with petals and thorns

Connotation

The emotional, cultural, or associative meaning of a word beyond its literal definition. Connotation can be positive, negative, or neutral, depending on the context and the individual’s experiences or cultural background. It often evokes feelings, ideas, or imagery.

Example: Her kind words were like a bouquet of roses,
filling the room with warmth and love..
roses = symbolize love, kindness, and beauty

Other examples:

Cold

Denotation: Low in temperature.
Connotation: Emotional distance ("cold-hearted"),
loneliness ("cold winter night"), or unfriendliness ("a cold
reception").

Fire

Denotation: Combustion producing heat and light.
Connotation: Passion, anger, destruction, or energy ("fire in his eyes").

Multiple Choice

What is the meaning of connotation?

• Emotional meaning of a word

• An emotional outburst

• Official meaning of a word

• Refers to emotional atmosphere produced by an author’s use of language

Multiple Choice

What is the meaning of denotation?

• It represents something else (emble, token, etc.)

• The emotion of a word

• The art of lasagna baking

• The official meaning of a word

Multiple Choice

I am now becoming an elephant, gaining every week pounds by pounds.

• connotative

• denotative

Multiple Choice

Twilight_______the light from the sky at the end of the day when night is just beginning.

• denotes

• connotes

Multiple Choice

The teacher’s kingdom include thirty-seven smart and intelligent pupils and a conducive classroom.

• denotative

• connotative

Multiple Choice

As role models to your younger siblings, you have to plant in them the value of kindness.

• denotative

• connotative

Multiple Choice

Let us intensify and keep the fire burning into our hearts.

• denotative

• connotative

Multiple Choice

A fire of unknown cause ate the thirty village houses.

• denotative

• connotative

Multiple Choice

Her first singing performance served as the dawn of her career.

• denotative

• connotative

Multiple Choice

At dawn the beauty of the nature starts to unfold.

• denotative

• connotative

Multiple Choice

Fair weather __________ clear skies and sunny day.

• denotes

• connotes

Multiple Choice

Father_____________ someone who is strong and protective of his family.

• denotes

• connotes

Multiple Choice

The snake of the group, disappeared in an instant.

• denotative

• connotative

Multiple Choice

My mom was a tiger when my dad was caught drank last night.

• denotative

• connotative

Multiple Choice

 

It uses literal or specific dictionary meanings. Many use context clues to decide on the meaning of a word that they may not be familiar with.

• Denotation

• Merriam Webster

• Connotation

• Adverb

Access The Phoenix World of Reading ebook in Aralinks then accomplish Practice A and Practice B on pages 218-219.

Let’s Practice!