The Meanings of Words Denotation and Connotation They

The Meanings of Words Denotation and Connotation

They have the same definition: Denotation: the literal meaning of a word b Odor & Aroma: smells b Connotation: the meaning suggested by a word, the feeling evoked by a word b Odor – a bad smell b Aroma – a good smell • (society has trained us to believe that ‘odor’ always means ‘bad odor’)

Denotation The strict dictionary meaning of a word

Connotation The emotional and imaginative association surrounding a word (SOCIETY PROVOKED) • Implied Meaning • May be Favorable or unfavorable

Denotation vs. Connotation b • Denotation is the dictionary or literal meaning of a word. Connotative words imply emotions. Big-boned = positive connotation Plump = a full, round—neutral Fat = While similar in meaning to plump, it has a very harsh and mean tone. They all mean the same thing.

Word Choice You may live in a house, but we live in a home. The connotation in this sentence is that a “home” is much more than merely the structure of a house.

The connotation of often either positive b. Positive We bought inexpensive souvenirs at the amusement park. a word is or negative b. Negative We bought cheap souvenirs at the amusement park.

Which word has a positive connotation and which has a negative one? negative e v i t i pos b Everyone had a smirk on his/her face on the ride home. b Everyone had a smile on his/her face on the way home.

Connotation: Negative I ate a soggy sandwich. Positive: drenched, gooey?

Another example… b You look a little odd today. b You look unique today b You look really weird today. b There’s something off about you. Which one do think has a stronger, more negative feel to it?

Which word has a positive connotation? average mediocre childish childlike spit saliva antique old-fashioned