Connotation / Denotation

What is the denotation of a word?

• • The emotional associations it carries

• • The dictionary definition

• • The personal feelings it evokes

• • The cultural meanings attached to it

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.5

CCSS.L.9-10.4

Which word refers specifically to a physical structure without emotional associations?

• Home

• Tribe

• House

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

What is connotation?

• The literal dictionary definition

• • The implied or emotional meanings associated with a word

• • The pronunciation of a word

• • The origin of a word

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

Which word has the most positive connotation?

• • Childish

• • Youthful

• • Immature

• Juvenile

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.5

Arrange these words from MOST negative to LEAST negative connotation:

• • Poor → Bad → Terrible → Awful

• • Awful → Terrible → Bad → Poor

• • Terrible → Awful → Poor → Bad

• Bad → Poor → Awful → Terrible

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.5

Which pair of words have similar denotations but different connotations?

• • Happy / Joyful

• • Slim / Scrawny

• • Big / Large

• • Fast / Quick

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4

A real estate agent writes two descriptions:

Description A: "This house features three bedrooms and a large yard."
Description B: "This home features three cozy bedrooms and a spacious yard."

Analyze the connotative differences between these descriptions. Why might Description B be more effective for selling the property? Explain using the specific word choices.
(Exemplar: Description A uses neutral, factual language — “house,” “three bedrooms,” and “large yard” — which simply describe what the property has. In contrast, Description B adds positive connotations through emotional and appealing word choices. The word “home” suggests warmth and belonging and “cozy” makes the bedrooms feel inviting instead of just ordinary. Similarly, “spacious” sounds more attractive than “large.”)

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.L.11-12.5B

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.L.9-10.5B

Who thinks of a plumbing tool when hearing "snake"?

• A biologist

• A plumber

• A teacher

• A chef

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

Which word is seen as more positive today?

• Politician

• Serpent

• Public Servant

• Snake

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.L.11-12.5B

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

A real estate agent writes two descriptions:

Description A: "This house features three bedrooms and a large yard."
Description B: "This home features three cozy bedrooms and a spacious yard."

Analyze the connotative differences between these descriptions. Why might Description B be more effective for selling the property? Explain using the specific word choices.

(Exemplar: Description A uses neutral, factual language — “house,” “three bedrooms,” and “large yard” — which simply describe what the property has. In contrast, Description B adds positive connotations through emotional and appealing word choices. The word “home” suggests warmth and belonging and “cozy” makes the bedrooms feel inviting instead of just ordinary. Similarly, “spacious” sounds more attractive than “large.”)

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.5