Connotation & Denotation

Front

What is connotation?

Back

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

Front

What is denotation?

Back

Denotation is the literal, dictionary definition of a word.

Front

Give an example of a word with a positive connotation.

Back

The word 'youthful' has a positive connotation, suggesting energy and vitality.

Front

Give an example of a word with a negative connotation.

Back

The word 'stingy' has a negative connotation, implying a lack of generosity.

Front

What does it mean if a word has a neutral connotation?

Back

A neutral connotation means the word does not evoke strong emotional responses, such as 'furniture'.

Front

How can context affect the connotation of a word?

Back

Context can change how a word is perceived; for example, 'home' can have a warm, positive connotation, while 'house' is more neutral.

Front

What is an example of a word with both positive and negative connotations?

Back

The word 'ambitious' can have a positive connotation (driven) or a negative connotation (greedy) depending on context.

Front

What is the connotation of the word 'childish'?

Back

The word 'childish' typically has a negative connotation, suggesting immaturity.

Front

What is the denotation of the word 'snake'?

Back

The denotation of 'snake' is a legless reptile.

Front

How can understanding connotation help in writing?

Back

Understanding connotation helps writers choose words that convey the desired tone and emotion.