Name:______________________

Date:______________

Connotation and Denotation

No one means all he says, and yet very few say all they mean, for words are slippery and thought is viscous. HENRY BROOKS ADAMS (18381918) (AMERICAN NOVELIST AND HISTORIAN) This lesson will help you become more aware of how one word can convey several meanings. Becoming sensitive to the implied meaning of new vocabulary words will help you build your word power. The previous study guide focused on strategies for finding the meaning of words by looking closely at their context, or surroundings. In this lesson, you'll learn to identify subtle differences in the meanings of words that may seem quite similar at first. At first glance, many words seem to convey the same thought, but upon closer inspection, you'll discover that this is not always the case. Words can mean very different things. We describe a word's meaning by using these two categories: Denotation: the literal, dictionary definition of a word. Connotation: the suggested, emotional, cultural, or implied meaning of a word. Think about two simple words we all know and often use: home and house. Dictionary definitions of these words are quite similar: house (noun): a structure serving as an abode for human beings. home (noun): one's own dwelling place; the house or structure in which one lives; especially the house in which one lives with one's family; the habitual abode of one's family. But, do the two words always mean the same thing? Look at the following sentences and consider the different uses of the word home. Israel is the ancestral home of many of the world's religions. Pedro is an American citizen, but he considers Mexico his home. The way home for the runaway is often long and lonely. In each sentence, the word home means something different, something more subtle and complicated than the denotative meaning of a dwelling or a structure. In the second sentence, Pedro's emotional attachment to Mexico is great enough for him to think of it as home, a place of warmth, love, family, and happiness, even though he has an actual dwelling or abode somewhere in the United States. In general, words have connotations that are positive or negative; sometimes a connotation is neutral, but this is less likely. Most often, words derive their connotations from the context in which they appear, or the way people use them. It's rare to use words only in their denotative, dictionary meaning, and because words can carry complicated meanings, it's important for you to be sensitive to their possible connotations. The more connotations you know, the stronger your word power will be.

Name:______________________

Date:______________

Saying Exactly What You Mean

Whenever you speak or write, be aware of any connotations of the words you use. As you know, the words you choose convey your meaning; that's what language does. But not only words have connotations; whole sentences do. Spoken or written language that includes carefully chosen connotative words to convey emotions or subtle suggestions make sentences more interesting and help listeners or readers get a clearer understanding of what you're really trying to say. The more precise your words, the more power they will have, and the better your overall communication will be.

Name:______________________

Date:______________

Read the following sets of words, and then write each word in the appropriate column according to the connotation, or association, it has for you and your friends. 1. thin, plump, fat, slim 2. chatty, quiet, talkative, moody 3. snooty, friendly, vain, proud 4. shack, residence, apartment, condo

Name:______________________ These are potential names for new professional athletic teams: Poodles, Toads, Gazelles, Hippos Buzzards, Snails, Meteors, Ferrets Glaciers, Maggots, Sloth, Mosquitoes Sleepers, Zeniths, Mares, Spikes

Date:______________

You and your partner must discuss each name. Use a dictionary and write down the definition/denotation of each name. Then discuss and record the connotation (emotion/reaction) associated with each word. Answer these questions and support your answers: 1. What type of sport do you think the name fits?

2. Does the name sound like a successful team?

3. Would you want to wear a jersey with this name?