1. Diction What is the difference between denotation and connotation? Denotation – the literal, dictionary definition of a word ex. home – place where one lives childish – characteristic of a child Connotation – the implied or suggested meaning attached to a word; the emotional “tag” that goes along with a word. ex. home – security, love, comfort, family childish – pettiness, willfulness, temper tantrums

2. Diction cont. Here is an example of a sentence with strong connotative diction: The girl surveyed the class, congratulating herself for snatching the highest grade on the test. Which words in this sentence have the strongest connotative meaning? What do these words suggest or imply?

3. Directions: In each case below, you are given words in parentheses that have the same denotation but different connotations. Choose the item in parentheses that best fits the meaning of the sentence. 1.Those clothes are too (fashionable, faddish) for my taste. 2.Mark has a really sweet, (childish, childlike) manner about him. He’s so open and honest and straightforward. 3.I think that Senator Sneed’s views are just too (radical, progressive). 4.Ms. Perez is a respected and (commanding, domineering) figure. 5.Hershel has a great amount of (conceit, self-confidence) which gives him an air of authority.

4. Directions: Decide which of the words in the group has a more positive connotation. 1.investigate –pry into 2.compliment – flatter 3.outdated - traditional 4.used – tried and true 5.frugal – cheap - economical

5. Diction Loaded Words vs. Euphemisms Loaded words – words that carry strong, emotional (positive or negative messages) ex. I spotted the suspect loitering suspiciously in front of the bank. Euphemisms – agreeable terms that are used in place of ones that might be offensive ex. The youth sat at his desk working diligently.

6. Diction - Euphemisms Directions: Discuss the meaning of the following euphemisms: 1.dearly departed 2.underprivileged 3.dentures 4.custodial engineer 5.under the weather 6.house of corrections 7.senior citizen

7. Why is diction important? Diction helps to give your reader an idea about the tone or feeling of your writing. The writer must choose the appropriate diction based on the audience and the appropriate level of formality.