Connotation & Denotation

Front

What is denotation?

Back

Denotation is the literal or primary meaning of a word, the dictionary definition, without any emotional associations.

Front

What is connotation?

Back

Connotation refers to the emotional or cultural associations that a word carries beyond its literal meaning.

Front

Give an example of a word with a positive connotation.

Back

'Youthful' has a positive connotation, suggesting energy and vitality.

Front

Give an example of a word with a negative connotation.

Back

'Childish' has a negative connotation, implying immaturity.

Front

What is the connotation of the word 'slim'?

Back

The word 'slim' has a positive connotation, suggesting attractiveness and health.

Front

What is the connotation of the word 'skinny'?

Back

The word 'skinny' has a negative connotation, suggesting unhealthiness or lack of nourishment.

Front

How can context clues help determine connotation?

Back

Context clues are words or phrases surrounding a word that provide hints about its connotation, helping to infer whether it is positive, negative, or neutral.

Front

What is the connotation of the phrase 'a box filled with documents'?

Back

The phrase 'a box filled with documents' has a neutral connotation, simply describing the contents.

Front

What is the connotation of the phrase 'a box crammed with documents'?

Back

The phrase 'a box crammed with documents' has a negative connotation, suggesting disorder and clutter.

Front

Why is understanding connotation important in communication?

Back

Understanding connotation is important because it affects how messages are perceived and can influence emotions and reactions.