Connotation/Denotation
Definition: Connotation is the implications, inferences, or suggestive power of words, phrases, or figures of speech.
Definition: Denotation is the exact or dictionary meaning of a word without its emotional or suggestive associations.
Definition: Denotation is the exact or dictionary meaning of a word without its emotional or suggestive associations.
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Lesson 1:
For the following sentences explain why each has a negative, positive or neutral connotation.
1. The boy was curious.
The boy was nosey.
The boy was interested.
2. When I told a joke he smirked.
When I told a joke he smiled.
When I told a joke he beamed.
3. What is that smell?
What is that stench?
What is that fragrance?
4. She was very unique.
She was very weird.
She was very memorable.
For the following sentences explain why each has a negative, positive or neutral connotation.
1. The boy was curious.
The boy was nosey.
The boy was interested.
2. When I told a joke he smirked.
When I told a joke he smiled.
When I told a joke he beamed.
3. What is that smell?
What is that stench?
What is that fragrance?
4. She was very unique.
She was very weird.
She was very memorable.
Lesson 2:
Choosing the Best Word:
1. Write the denotation of the word "happy."
2. Brainstorm four synonyms of the word "happy."
3. Place all five words (including "happy" in connotative order.
Far left = most positive Far right= least positive
____________ _____________ _____________ ____________ _____________
4. Choose one of the five words from above and explain your reasoning why you chose to place it where you did.
Choosing the Best Word:
1. Write the denotation of the word "happy."
2. Brainstorm four synonyms of the word "happy."
3. Place all five words (including "happy" in connotative order.
Far left = most positive Far right= least positive
____________ _____________ _____________ ____________ _____________
4. Choose one of the five words from above and explain your reasoning why you chose to place it where you did.
Lesson 3:
Read and think:
"All right... I'm glad it's a girl. And I hope she'll be a fool--that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool."
-F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
Talk about it:
1. Provide the denotation for the word "fool". How does the connotation of the word differ from the denotation?
2. What do you think the author is trying to say by using this specific word in this way?
Now you try:
Write a sentence in which you use a word that is usually negative in a way that sounds positive. Use the quote above as your model.
Read and think:
"All right... I'm glad it's a girl. And I hope she'll be a fool--that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool."
-F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
Talk about it:
1. Provide the denotation for the word "fool". How does the connotation of the word differ from the denotation?
2. What do you think the author is trying to say by using this specific word in this way?
Now you try:
Write a sentence in which you use a word that is usually negative in a way that sounds positive. Use the quote above as your model.