Connotation THE FEELING OF A WORD Definition of

Connotation THE FEELING OF A WORD

Definition of Connotation “con” = together “nota” = words “tion” = state or act • “The emotional feeling or cultural association a word evokes in addition to its dictionary definition. ”

Negative to Positive Example of words with negative connotation: skinny chick pushy cowardly nag out of date Example of words with positive connotation: lean woman assertive prudent remind time tested

Can you change the connotation? Bum vs. Homeless 1) ____ vs. Inexpensive 2) Childish vs. ____ 3) Conceited vs. ____ Cowardly vs. Prudent Crippled vs. Disabled 4) ____ vs. Challenging Fired vs. Terminated 5) _____ vs. Elderly

Some words have neurtral connotation POSITIVE ~ NEUTRAL ~ NEGATIVE SELF‐CONFIDENT PROUD ARROGANT DIGNIFIED RESERVED SNOBBY MODEST SHY MOUSY VENERABLE ELDERLY OLD THRIFTY CONSERVATIVE MISERLY SLENDER THIN SKINNY

Authorial Intent Authors use connotation to manipulate reader emotions or demonstrate a character's bias. Ex: In Of Mice and Men, Crooks is described as a “nigger” and a “cripple” and Curley’s Wife is called a “tart. ” t i f i l l e t e w n a c r o w r o o H s h t d l u o a h e o h t h s w i r e t c a r a h c s? a i b the

Now you try! Your teacher will give you a card with a word from Fahrenheit 451. On the back, write the dictionary definition, the context from the book, and the connotation. Then post your word to the class wall!

Now you try! With your natural partner, define the words from “The Undercover Parent” and check how they are used in the article. 2. Decide if the connotation is positive, negative, or neutral. How does the author want us to feel about this thing? 3. Finally, rank the words 1 -11, from the most positive (#1) to the most negative (#11). Be ready to share your answers with the class. 1.