Transcript Connotation vs. Denotation

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
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 don’t want to show
strong emotions either way
For Example
Positive
Neutral
That’s a
That’s a
glamorous nice
necklace.
necklace.
The model
was
slender.
Negative
That’s a
gaudy
necklace.
The model The model
was thin. was
scrawny.
Practice
Look at the following pairs of words. Each pair might
have similar denotations, or dictionary definitions.
However, identify how their connotations are
different. Is the connotation positive, negative, or
neutral?
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firm or stubborn
flexible or wishy-washy
original or weird
scholar or bookworm
arrogant or proud
Connotation and Tone
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The words that an author chooses to
use in an article can give you a clue as
to the author’s tone.
Tone is the way that the author feels
about the subject.
If the author uses words with negative
connotations, then you know the author
feels negatively towards the subject.
So, the tone would also be negative.
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Take Justin Bieber for example…
One news article describes Justin using
words such as “childish” and
“immature.” Would you say that the tone
here is positive, negative, or neutral?
Another article describes him as
“youthful” and “fresh.” What is the tone
here?
And what about the author who says
Justin is “inexperienced” and “young”?
What is his tone towards the singer?