What determines the definition of a word?

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What determines the definition of a word?
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Is there more to a word than how it is defined in
the dictionary?
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Yes, there is more. In fact, every word has at
least two definitions connotative and denotative
So, whats the difference?
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The denotative definition is based on
the________definition of a word. The connotative
definition is the________________________
meaning of a word.
literal
figurative or emotional
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Lets try giving the connotative definition for
some common words.
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Love
Denotative definition a warmth and tender
liking a deep feeling of fondness and friendship.
Connotative definition a word which describes .
. . . . . .
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Anger
Denotative definition the feeling one has
toward something that hurts, opposes, offends, or
annoys.
Connotative definition When I feel . . .
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Patriotism
Denotative definition love or loyal support
for ones country
Connotative definition The act of . . .
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Christmas
Denotative definition a holiday celebrated on
December 25
Connotative definition A time of year when . .
.
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Your assignment
Define the word gift. Give both a denotative
and a connotative definition. Turn these
definitions into a five paragraph essay.
Follow the structure of a well organized essay.
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Introductory paragraph
Broad to _______
Specific
Thesis statement
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Each of the three supporting paragraphs must
contain

• A topic sentence
• Supporting examples
• A concluding sentence which ties the paragraph to
  the topic sentence

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Concluding paragraph
Specific To __________
Broad
Be careful not to begin a new idea.
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Consider your audience
It will be O.K. to use personal pronouns like I,
me, my, we, our, and us .
It will be okay to use the pronoun you.
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Remember to check the important stuff.

• What about the word this?
• What about contractions?
• What about slang terms?
• What about tense consistency?
• What about parallelism?