DENOTATION AND CONNOTATION MERVE ENOL ZDEMR Connotation and

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DENOTATION AND CONNOTATION MERVE ŞENOL ÖZDEMİR

DENOTATION AND CONNOTATION MERVE ŞENOL ÖZDEMİR

 Connotation and denotation are two principal methods of describing the meanings of words.

Connotation and denotation are two principal methods of describing the meanings of words. A denotation is the strict, literal definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or color. On the other hand, connotation refers to the wide array of positive and negative associations that most words naturally carry with them. The connotation of a word adds elements of attitude, emotion, or color.

THE MEANING OF DENOTATION AND CONNOTATION AS REGARDS THE FIELD OF STUDY In media-studies

THE MEANING OF DENOTATION AND CONNOTATION AS REGARDS THE FIELD OF STUDY In media-studies terminology, denotation is the first level of analysis: what the audience can visually see on a page. Denotation often refers to something literal, and avoids being a metaphor. Here it is usually coupled with connotation, which is the second level of analysis, being what the denotation represents. In logic, linguistics and semiotics, a denotation of a word or phrase is a part of its meaning.

In basic semantics and literary theory, the literal and figurative meanings of a word.

In basic semantics and literary theory, the literal and figurative meanings of a word. In philosophy, logic and parts of linguistics, the extension and intension of a word. In the philosophy of language, denotation can be synonymous with reference and connotation with sense.

 The seminal article of Bertrand Russell called “On Denoting” focuses on the topic

The seminal article of Bertrand Russell called “On Denoting” focuses on the topic of denotation. Russell states that (1) a phrase may be denoting, and yet not denote anything; e. g. “the present King of France”; (2) a phrase may denote one definite object; e. g. “the present King of England” denotes a certain man, and (3) a phrase may denote ambigously; e. g. “ a man” denotes not many men, but an ambigious man (Russell, 1905).

Connotation and denotation are not two separate things/signs. They are two aspects/elements of a

Connotation and denotation are not two separate things/signs. They are two aspects/elements of a sign, and the connotative meanings of a word exist together with the denotative meanings. -Connotation represents the various social overtones, cultural implications, or emotional meanings associated with a sign. -Denotation represents the explicit or referential meaning of a sign. Denotation refers to the literal meaning of a word, “the dictionary definition”.

 Connotations can be both positive and negative. Within contemporary society, connotation branches into

Connotations can be both positive and negative. Within contemporary society, connotation branches into a culmination of different meanings. These could include the contrast of a word or phrase with its primary, literal meaning (known as denotation), with what that word or phrase specifically denotes. The connotation essentially relates to how anything may be associated with a word or phrase, for example, an implied value judgment or feelings.

EXAMPLES A stubborn person may be described as being either "strong-willed" or "pig-headed. "

EXAMPLES A stubborn person may be described as being either "strong-willed" or "pig-headed. " Although these have the same literal meaning (that is, stubborn), strong-willed connotes admiration for someone's convictions, while pig-headed connotes frustration in dealing with someone. Likewise, "used car" and "previously owned car" have the same literal meaning, but many dealerships prefer the latter, since it is thought to have fewer negative connotations.

 Denotation is when you mean what you say, literally. Connotation is created when

Denotation is when you mean what you say, literally. Connotation is created when you mean something else, something that might be initially hidden. The connotative meaning of a word is based on implication, or shared emotional association with a word.

 Greasy is a completely innocent word: Some things, like car engines, need to

Greasy is a completely innocent word: Some things, like car engines, need to be greasy. But greasy contains negative associations for most people, whether they are talking about food or about people. Often there are many words that denote approximately the same thing, but their connotations are very different. Innocent and genuine both denote an absence of corruption, but the connotations of the two words are different: innocent is often associated with a lack of experience, whereas genuine is not.

 You may live in a house, but we live in a home. What

You may live in a house, but we live in a home. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of a home? of a house?

Example: Annette was surprised. Annette was amazed. Annette was astonished. 1. What is the

Example: Annette was surprised. Annette was amazed. Annette was astonished. 1. What is the general meaning of each of the three sentences about Annette? Do the words surprised, amazed, and astonished have approximately the same denotation? 2. What additional meanings are suggested by astonish? Would one be more likely to be surprised or astonished at seeing a ghost?

 Which word in each pair below has the more favorable connotation to you?

Which word in each pair below has the more favorable connotation to you? thrifty-penny-pinching pushy-aggressive politician-statesman chef-cook slender-skinny

DEFINITIONS AND CONCEPTS IN CRITICAL THINKING Understanding the difference between denotation and connotation is

DEFINITIONS AND CONCEPTS IN CRITICAL THINKING Understanding the difference between denotation and connotation is important to understanding definitions and how concepts are used. Unfortunately, that is complicated by the fact that these terms can be used in two different ways: grammatical and logical. Even worse, both uses are worth keeping in mind and both uses are relevant to project of logical, critical thinking.

The relationship between words and meanings is extremely complicated, and belongs to the field

The relationship between words and meanings is extremely complicated, and belongs to the field of semantics. For now, though, what you need to know is that words do not have single, simple meanings. Traditionally, grammarians have referred to the meanings of words in two parts: denotation a literal meaning of the word connotation an association (emotional or otherwise) which the word evokes For example, both "woman" and "chick" have the denotation "adult female" in North American society, but "chick" has somewhat negative connotations, while "woman" is neutral.

For another example of connotations, consider the following: negative There are over 2, 000

For another example of connotations, consider the following: negative There are over 2, 000 vagrants in the city. neutral There are over 2, 000 people with no fixed address in the city. positive There are over 2, 000 homeless in the city.

 “I know what you said, but what did you mean? ” Language meaning

“I know what you said, but what did you mean? ” Language meaning is continually shifting, is always contextual, and is influenced by historical, cultural, and economic factors.

 The connotation of some words—or the attitudes we associate with them—can easily be

The connotation of some words—or the attitudes we associate with them—can easily be seen when we examine pairs of words that are essentially similar in meaning, but different in the favorable or unfavorable attitudes they evoke in most people.

EXERCISE 1 Listed below are ten pairs of words that evoke negative or positive

EXERCISE 1 Listed below are ten pairs of words that evoke negative or positive feelings. For each pair, place a plus sign after the word that conveys a more favorable attitude and a minus sign after the word that carries a less favorable attitude. • refreshing – chilly • plain – natural • clever – sly • cackle – giggle • snob – cultured • cop – officer • skinny – slender • statesman – politician • smile – smirk • domineering – assertive

EXERCISE 2 Below are groups of words which are often used to describe people.

EXERCISE 2 Below are groups of words which are often used to describe people. What are the connotations of the words? Childlike, Youthful, Childish, Young Disabled, Crippled, Handicapped, Retarded Relaxed, Laid-back, Lackadaisical, Easy-going Slim, Skinny, Slender, Thin Cheap, Frugal, Miserly, Economical Young, Immature, Juvenile, Youthful Inquisitive, Interested, Curious, Convivial Confident, Secure, Proud, Egotistical Lovely, Knockout, Beautiful, Stunning Talkative, Conversational, Chatty, Nosy

EXERCISE 3 Read the sentences below. Can you identify the words that have a

EXERCISE 3 Read the sentences below. Can you identify the words that have a negative connotation? Bedford is an uppity neighborhood, but the rents are cheap. On my flight to Los Angeles, I sat next to this babe. She was absolutely stunning. Every morning my neighbor takes his mutt to the park. It always barks loudly when leaving the building. You need to be pushy when you are looking for a job. Bob is quite vocal at every staff meeting. He always speaks.