1. Connotative and Denotative Words
How to tell the difference

2. Definitions Denotative Definition
dictionary meaning, objective definition, no opinion, tells what something is
Connotative Definition
subjective meaning of a word or phrase based on personal experiences and beliefs

3. Examples
Gaze, Look steadily, Stare=look at someone or something (denotative)
Positive: Gaze (connotative)
Neutral: look steadily
Negative: Stare (connotative)
Fragrance, Odor, a smell sensed by the olfactory nerve=a lingering quality
Positive: Fragrance
Neutral: A smell
Negative: Odor

4. More Connotative Examples:
A dog connotes shamelessness or an ugly face.
A dove implies peace or gentility.
Home suggests family, comfort and security.
Politician has a negative connotation of wickedness and insincerity while statesperson connotes sincerity.

5. More Connotative Examples:
Pushy refers to someone loud-mouthed and irritating.
Mom and Dad when used in place of mother and father connote loving parents.
A fox can refer to someone who is sneaky, sly or smart.

6. Connotative meaning is the emotional meaning of a word (cultural).
To Recap
Connotative meaning is the emotional meaning of a word (cultural).
Denotative meaning is the real definition of the word (dictionary).