Connotation and Denotation

Connotation The emotional or cultural meaning attached to a word. Emotional association with a word. The set of associations implied by a word in addition to its literal meaning.

Denotation the literal meaning or "dictionary definition" of a term, devoid of emotion, attitude, and color. The most specific or direct meaning of a word, in contrast to its figurative or associated meanings.

Denotation refers to the literal meaning of a word, the "dictionary definition."¨ For example, if you look up the word snake in a dictionary, you will discover that one of its denotative meanings is "any of numerous scaly, legless, sometimes venomous reptiles having a long, tapering, cylindrical body and found in most tropical and temperate regions."

Connotation, on the other hand, refers to the associations that are connected to a certain word or the emotional suggestions related to that word. The connotative meanings of a word exist together with the denotative meanings. The connotations for the word snake could include evil or danger.

Examples youngster Child kid little one small fry Brat Urchin Juvenile minor Skinny Scrawny Thin Lean Skeletal Emaciated Slender Slim Bony

Practice Gus cooked dinner for Penelope. He prepared some meat and vegetables and a special dessert. (1) Describe the meal that Gus prepared, making it sound appetizing by using words with favorable connotations. (2) Describe the meal again, this time using words with negative connotations to make it sound quite unappealing.

Humphrey did not weigh very much. He had brown hair and a small nose Humphrey did not weigh very much. He had brown hair and a small nose. Humphrey wore informal clothing. (1) Identify and describe this particularly attractive person. (2) Identify and describe this particularly unattractive person.