Connotation vs. Denotation

1
Connotation vs. Denotation

• Almost every word has two kinds of meanings
• Denotation
• the straightforward dictionary definition
• Connotation
• the ideas and feelings associated with the word

2
There are three types of connotations

• a. POSITIVE a good thing
• b. NEGATIVE a bad thing
• c. NEUTRAL- not good or bad indifferent used
  when you or the author dont want to show strong
  emotions either way

3
For Example
Positive Neutral Negative
Thats a glamorous necklace. Thats a nice necklace. Thats a gaudy necklace.
The model was slender. The model was thin. The model was scrawny.
4
Practice

• For the following pairs of terms, write a short
  explanation of why you might like to be described
  by one term, but not the other. Also, identify
  whether the word you picked has a positive,
  negative or neutral connotation.
• firm or stubborn
• flexible or wishy-washy
• original or weird
• scholar or bookworm
• arrogant or proud