Denotation and Connotation The dictionary definition The additional

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Denotation and Connotation The dictionary definition. The additional meaning a word may carry.

Denotation and Connotation The dictionary definition. The additional meaning a word may carry.

Essential Question • Why is it important to use Connotations in real life?

Essential Question • Why is it important to use Connotations in real life?

Is there more to a word than how it is defined in the dictionary?

Is there more to a word than how it is defined in the dictionary?

Yes, there is more. In fact, every word has at least two definitions: connotative

Yes, there is more. In fact, every word has at least two definitions: connotative and denotative So, what’s the difference?

The denotative definition is based literal on the____definition of a word. The connotative definition

The denotative definition is based literal on the____definition of a word. The connotative definition is the____________ figurative or emotional meaning of a word.

Connotation • The emotional associations of a word or phrase, as opposed to its

Connotation • The emotional associations of a word or phrase, as opposed to its exact meaning. • “Greasy” has a denotation meaning slippery but also has a connotation when referring to a “greasy” person.

 • The connotative meanings of a word exist together with the denotative meanings.

• The connotative meanings of a word exist together with the denotative meanings. • The denotation of the word snake is “any of numerous scaly, legless, and sometimes venomous reptiles” • The connotations for the word snake could include evil or danger.

Connotation • Positive • Negative We bought inexpensive souvenirs at the amusement park. We

Connotation • Positive • Negative We bought inexpensive souvenirs at the amusement park. We bought cheap souvenirs at the amusement park. I ate a moist sandwich. I ate a soggy sandwich. I am a bargain shopper. I am a cheapskate.

Which One? Positive or Negative Connotation

Which One? Positive or Negative Connotation

Positive Connotation • immature • youthful

Positive Connotation • immature • youthful

Positive Connotation • limit • restrict

Positive Connotation • limit • restrict

Positive Connotation • filthy • dirty

Positive Connotation • filthy • dirty

Negative Connotation • stingy • thrifty

Negative Connotation • stingy • thrifty

Negative Connotation • cluttered • messy

Negative Connotation • cluttered • messy

Negative Connotation • unusual • weird

Negative Connotation • unusual • weird

Well Done!

Well Done!

WORDS: fat, obese, plump, large, stout DENOTATION: being overweight or too heavy for your

WORDS: fat, obese, plump, large, stout DENOTATION: being overweight or too heavy for your size. CONNOTATION: fat: ▪ a greasy, flesh way, lack of self control obese: ▪ clinical word, grossly overweight plump: ▪ pleasantly overweight, a bit round and cute. large: ▪ heavy, but also have a bigger frame than average; more flattering word than others stout: ▪ bulky and strong, like a football lineman

Let’s use the word HOT The denotation (or dictionary definition – remember d in

Let’s use the word HOT The denotation (or dictionary definition – remember d in denotation = dictionary) of HOT is: having a temperature higher than that of a human body. However, when you say “Man! He/She is hot!”, are you saying “Man! He is having a temperature higher than that of a human body!”? No!! You are saying the CONNOTATION of HOT – which could mean a variety of things – man he/she is cute, attractive, beautiful, and many other meanings – those come from personal experiences and cultural meanings, etc.

Why are Connotations important? Why are connotations important? If you do not understand what

Why are Connotations important? Why are connotations important? If you do not understand what your words imply, they may lead to inappropriate interpretations of your meaning. Consider the following examples. • His daughter was nosy; she asked many questions. • His daughter was curious; she asked many questions.

Continued… • A reader of the first sentence might infer that the daughter’s questions

Continued… • A reader of the first sentence might infer that the daughter’s questions are annoying, whereas a reader of the second sentence might understand the daughter in a more positive way. While ‘nosy’ and ‘curious’ seem synonymous, their connotations are different. • Connotations make language more interesting and we communicate more effectively by choosing the right meaning.