Word Connotations

Connotation & Denotation

Standard L 7.5c: Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions)

Objective

​Today, we will:

• Define connotation and denotation​ and how they can help strengthen our writing

• ​Explain why words with similar meanings can have different feelings

​Essential question

​How can...

knowing word connotations help me communicate my ideas better?​

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Why does word choice matter?

English has so many word choices! Having many words to choose from helps us to:

• ​Be specific

• Be descriptive

• Be interesting!​

• Have the right "tone of voice" in our writing​

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The literal dictionary definition of the word

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Never changes​

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​Denotation = dictionary definition

The connections we make with certain words

Are different from person to person​

Words can have similar meanings but different feelings​

​Connotation = connections

What is connotation and denotation??

Types of connotations

There are 3 types of connotations​

1. Shades of meaning

2. Positive/negative

3. Personal interpretation

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Poll

The following words have similar meanings. Choose the answer that ranks the words from least intense to most intense

Terrible, bad, awful

• Horrendous, awful, bad

• Bad, awful, horrendous

• Bad, horrendous, awful

What are shades of meaning?

Connotation type #1:

Shades of meaning

• ​Different words can have a similar denotation

• Some words with similar meanings are more descriptive and intense than others

Mad → Angry → Furious → Apoplectic

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Examples: Shades of meaning
(from least to most intense)

​Happy → Delighted → Overjoyed​ → Ecstatic​

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Multiple Choice

Rank the following words from least intense to most intense: burning, hot, scorching

• Burning, scorching, hot

• Scorching, burning, hot

• Hot, burning, scorching

Open Ended

What are some words you could use that have more intense shades of meaning than "scary"?

Poll

Which of these words has the most positive feeling?

• Smell

• Odor

• Fragrance

Connotation Type #2: Positive/negative/neutral

​Words can have similar meanings, but have positive, neutral, or negative feelings

​In the poll on the last slide:

Fragrance = positive connotation

Smell = neutral connotation

Odor = negative connotation​

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Discuss...

In Jonas's community, precision of language includes the almost exclusive use of words with neutral connotations (we've used the words "cold" and "clinical" to describe it). Why do you think words with neutral connotations are preferred in his community?

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Turn to your elbow partner

​Discuss these words: cheap, inexpensive

Which word has positive connotations? Why?

Which word has negative connotations? Why?​

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Draw

Place a + next to words with positive connotations and a - next to words with negative connotations

Open Ended

What are some words that come to mind when you think of the word "ocean"?

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• One person who loves storms might associate them with excitement​ and beauty

• Another person who is scared of storms might associate them with fear and anxiety​

​​The way you understand and feel about a word could be completely different from someone else!

​Our beliefs, experiences, and emotions influence how we interpret and feel about words

Connotation Type #3:

Personal Interpretation

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Open Ended

What connotations do you have with the word "vegetable"? Think of as many as you can!

Let's review!

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Multiple Choice

A denotation is...

• Our feelings about words

• Our like or dislike of a word

• How well we know a word

• A word's dictionary definition

Multiple Choice

Connotation means

• The word's literal meaning

• The feelings and connections we make with a word

• Our like or dislike of a word

• The dictionary definition

Multiple Choice

The word "pain" has a more intense shade of meaning than the word "misery."

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

People can have different ____ of words based on their experiences, beliefs, and feelings.

• understandings

• denotations

• confusions

• preferences

Poll

I understand how connotation and denotations of words can help me be a better writer.

• It makes complete sense!

• Mostly, but I could use just a little more help

• A little, but I need more practice

• I'm not completely sure...yet!

Poll

I can explain what connotations are and give some examples of words with similar denotations but different connotations.

• It makes complete sense!

• Mostly, but I could use just a little more help

• A little, but I need more practice

• I'm not completely sure...yet!