Denotation and Connotation
A word’s denotation is its dictionary definition. A word can also make people feel
or think a certain way. These feelings and ideas are the connotations of a word.
Words with the same meaning can have different “shades of meaning”—that is,
they can be understood differently.
Positive connotation: Being on the track team has made Alan slender and
lean. (attractively thin)
Neutral connotation: Being on the track team has made Alan thin.
Negative connotation: Being on the track team has made Alan skinny and
scrawny. (unattractively thin)
Be sure that the words you use have the right connotation as well as the right
denotation.
A. Identifying Positive and Negative Connotations
Each pair of phrases includes synonyms with different connotations. Put a + sign
next to the one with a positive connotation and a – sign next to the one with a
negative connotation. Use a dictionary or thesaurus if needed.
Lesson
23
1. a powerful stink ________
a powerful aroma ________
2. a dynamic leader ________
a pushy leader ________
3. squandered his money ________
spent his money ________
4. a reckless plan ________
a daring plan ________
5. energetic children ________
wild children ________
6. answered with arrogance ________
answered with confidence ________
7. sloppy clothes ________
casual clothes ________
8. an aggressive attitude ________
a hostile attitude ________
9. an easygoing friend ________
a lazy friend ________
10. a thoughtful response ________
a calculated response ________
McDougal Littell, Inc.
McDougal Littell, Inc.
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