Connotation and Denotation in Literature

10.8.2 Denotation and Connotation

Denotation is the dictionary definition of a word

Example: fragrance and odor both mean "a smell"

Multiple Choice

Denotation is a word's

• literal, dictionary definition

• emotional meaning

• synonym

• antonym

Connotation is the emotion or feeling a word brings to mind

words can have positive, negative, or neutral connotations

Example: fragrance = positive connotation

odor = negative connotation

Multiple Choice

Connotation is a word's

• literal, dictionary definition

• emotional meaning

• synonym

• antonym

Authors choose words that create a certain mood in their writing based on the connotation (feeling) of a word.

Multiple Choice

Referring to someone's house as a "shack" would have a _____ connotation (feeling).

• positive

• neutral

• negative

Multiple Choice

Which has the more positive connotation (feeling)?

• hyperactive

• energetic

Multiple Choice

Which has the more positive connotation (feeling)?

• nosey

• curious

Multiple Choice

Buster was a puny dog. He could not even scare the cat that lived next door.

What is the denotation (dictionary definition) of the word puny in the sentence above.

• noisy or loud

• undersized or small

• large in actions or words

• heavy or overweight

Multiple Choice

What word best fits the connotation (feeling) of the whole sentence below?

This coffee is very (bitter/strong) - just the way I like it!

• bitter

• strong

Multiple Choice

What word best fits the connotation (feeling) of the whole sentence below?

What is that (aroma/stench)? It reminds me of my grandmother's delicious apple pie!

• aroma

• stench