Connotation Definition: Refers to the associations that are connected to a certain word or the emotional suggestions related to that word. Example: The connotations for the word snake could include evil or danger.

Denotation Definition refers to the literal meaning of a word, the "dictionary definition." 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."

Let’s use the word “home” as an example. The denotative or literal meaning of “home” is “ a place where one lives; a residence.” Hint: Denotation, denotative, definition, and dictionary all start with the letter ‘D.

Let’s use the word “home” as an example. The connotative meaning of “home” is a place of security, comfort, and family. When Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz says, “There’s no place like home,” she’s not referring to its denotation, but the emotions “home” evokes for her and most people.

Vocabulary Exercises A quiz may ask you to select words or write sentences that convey positive, neutral, or negative connotations. For example, notice how the sentence meaning shifts when the underlined word is changed: Positive: Sally was an enthusiastic member of her club. Neutral: Sally was a member of a club. Negative: Sally was an overly enthusiastic member of her club

You Try Directions: For these conditions, first think of a word with a positive connotation, and then think of a word with a negative connotation. Smile giggle thin