Figurative and Connotative Meanings

Authors select words for their connotative meaning because...

• it expresses not just an idea, but a feeling.

• it explains the idea in an unexpected and unique way

• it gives a direct definition

Why has the author chosen to use the figurative phrase "on the dot?"

• to describe the small holes made by cicadas as they hatch

• to highlight their specific and extraordinary life cycles

• to identify the precise location where they may be seen

• to suggest the amazing regularity of when they will emerge

Look at the picture and read how the two people describe the music. Fill in the blank spaces with the right word to describe how they feel about the music.

The words intense and earsplitting are both ways of saying that something is loud. But intense suggests 1)_______ feelings, while earsplitting suggests 2________ feelings. Although they have similar meanings, they have different connotations.

• 1) positive

  2) negative

• 1) negative

  2) positive

What is the difference in connotation between the words "sick" and "nauseated?"

• sick has a stronger connotation than nauseated

• the words do not have the same/a similar definition

• nauseated has a stronger connotation than sick

• there is no difference

Look at the underlined sentence. What does the author's word choice suggest about the sound that cicadas make?

• It is so fascinating that everyone should hear it.

• The sound is breathtakingly rhythmic and musical.

• The noise is both awful and annoying.

• The screeches are dangerous enough to lead to hearing loss.

Paying attention to the different types of meaning will help you...

• answer the questions correctly

• understand the passage more

• understand how the author thinks and feels about a topic

What does connotation mean?

• It is always the positive meaning of a word.

• How a word feels or sounds to the reader. Could be positive or negative.

• The dictionary definition of a word.

• It is always the negative meaning of a word.

Decide which word has a negative connotative and which has a positive connotation.

Eager VS. Impatient

• Positive, Negative

• Negative, Positive

Decide which word has a negative connotative and which has a positive connotation.

Careful VS. Cowardly

• Negative, Positive

• Positive, Negative

Decide which word has a negative connotative and which has a positive connotation.

Nosy VS. Interested

• Negative, Positive

• Positive, Negative