Denotations and Connotations



Denotations and Connotations

The strict dictionary definition of a word is its denotation. Any further suggested meaning or feelings brought to mind from a word are called connotations. Because of different emotional reactions, connotations will vary from person to person. For example, the word “tall” might connote “large”, “graceful”, or “gawky.” By choosing a particular synonym, a writer may connote a more specific meaning and attempt to influence the attitude of his reader. For example, your friend may refer to herself as “plump” but tell her son not to eat too much or he’ll get “fat”. Writers of advertisements, editorials, and other persuasive materials make especially clever use of the favorable and unfavorable connotations or emotional coloring of words in trying to shape the reader’s thoughts.

Directions: The three terms in each line below are nearly synonymous, but each has a different connotation or emotional appeal. Use the symbols N for neutral, F for favorable, and U for unfavorable to indicate the kind of connotation each word has for you. You may want to use a dictionary.

1. bizarre strange exotic

2. pompous proud dignified

3. crowd group mob

4. bold unafraid foolhardy

5. compassion sympathy pity

6. specialist doctor quack

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