Connotative/Denotative Language

Bellringer! Write two to three (2-3) words and/or phrases that describe the feelings that come to mind when you think of the following words: Mother Home Teacher Police officer

Word Choice! Directions: Beneath the bellringer, number your paper 1-6. In the pairs of sentences, put a + sign for the sentence that has a more positive connotation, and a – sign for the sentence that has a more negative connotation Example: + -

Word Choice Randy’s clever nature made it easy for him to roach food off his friends’ plates. Randy’s sly nature made it easy for him to roach food off his friends’ plates. The cackling girls are getting on my nerves! The giggling girls are getting on my nerves!

Word Choice 5. The cop issued me a ticket for catapulting a red slushy at my friend during lunch. 6. The officer issued me a ticket for tossing a red slushy at my friend during lunch.

The dictionary definition of a word Denotative Language The dictionary definition of a word What is the denotative meaning of the word mother?

Mother—a female parent Denotative Meaning Mother—a female parent

Connotative Language Language that has implied meaning that emphasizes the feelings and emotions surrounding words What is the connotative meaning(s) of the word mother?

Does a real estate agent sell you a house, or does he/she sell you a home? How are the words different?

On your own… Villain Pity Arrogant Think quick! Write down the first word or phrase that comes to mind when you hear the following words: Villain Pity Arrogant

Denotative versus Connotative Now, check your responses (your connotations) with the denotative meaning of each term: Villain: a cruelly malicious person who is involved in or devoted to wickedness or crime. Pity: sympathetic or kindly sorrow evoked by the suffering. Arrogant: a sense of superiority, self-importance, or entitlement Were your connotations similar or dissimilar to the denotative meaning of each word? Explain.