Transcript Connotation

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out of date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.”
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.