Connotation
Some words have a meaning beyond their literal denotation, or meaning.
They have an extra feeling or bias. This is called connotation.
Explanation
Denotation: The literal, or dictionary, definition of a word. The denotative
meaning of a word has no "extra" meaning. Memory tip: D = Dictionary
definition.
Connotation: The extra meaning or sense that a word implies. This extra
meaning may be positive or negative. Memory tip: We think of pros and
cons as positives and negatives. Think of CONnotation.
Example
The word "inexpensive" has only a literal, denotative meaning. The word
"cheap," on the other hand, means the same as "inexpensive" but has an
extra, critical meaning. It implies a product is of low quality.
Practice
One word in each set has an extra, connotative meaning. Circle the word
and explain the extra meaning. Include whether the extra sense is
positive or negative.
1. underweight / puny _________________________________________
2. defeated / tromped __________________________________________
3. spotless / clean ____________________________________________
4. concern / worry ____________________________________________
5. stupid / uneducated _________________________________________
6. sloppy / disorganized ________________________________________
7. cold / bitter _______________________________________________
8. walk / trudge ______________________________________________
9. look / glare _______________________________________________
Practice with Connotation
Use proofreader's marks to delete words in this paragraph and exchange them with words
with connotative meaning to make the paragraph sound like the boy and girl either love
each other or hate each other. Select one emotion. Do not add words. Simply exchange
for words with strong connotation. You may need to rephrase a few words, but do not add
description.
The boy walked into the cafeteria and sat
down. He looked at the girl seated several rows
across from him. She looked at him and spoke.
He rose from his seat and walked towards her.
She stood and walked towards him. He spoke to
her and then put his hand on her wrist. She put
her hand on his hand and replied. She then
turned around and walked away. Before she left
the cafeteria, she looked at him one more time.
walk
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: move along on foot
Synonyms:
advance, amble, ambulate, canter, escort, exercise,
file, foot, go, go on foot, hike, hit the road, hoof it,
knock about, lead, leg*, locomote, lumber, march,
meander, pace, pad, parade, patrol, perambulate,
plod, prance, promenade, race, roam, rove, run,
saunter, scuff, shamble, shuffle, slog, stalk, step,
stride, stroll, strut, stump, take a walk, toddle, tour,
traipse, tramp, travel on foot, traverse, tread, trek,
troop, trudge, wander, wend one's way
Which choices would make the boy sound happily in love? Which
would make him sound like he hates the girl (bad break up)?
The boy walked into the cafeteria and sat down.