Denotation refers to the literal or dictionary meaning of a word, while connotation refers to the implied cultural or emotional meanings associated with a word beyond its strict definition. Connotations are subjective and can vary between individuals and cultures. For example, while a red rose has a denotation of being a flower, it carries additional connotations of love, romance, or politics depending on context. Words like "inexpensive" versus "cheap" can have very different positive or negative connotations despite similar denotative meanings. Understanding denotation and connotation is important for comprehending subtle meanings in language and media.

1. Denotation and Connotation
By: Ibrahim Muneer

2. DENOTATION AND CONNOTATION
Words and images in media texts can work on more
than one level.
You will come across the terms denotation and
connotation throughout your life. They are important terms
for you to understand.

3. DENOTATION
DENOTATION is the straight forward or common- sense meaning of a
sign. Literally what is actually shown in an image.
• The strict dictionary meaning of a word.
A red rose is a flower – that is its straight forward
meaning or denotation
An apple is a fruit we eat-
A lamb is a young sheep-

4. CONNOTATION
CONNOTATION is the extra, linked meaning that goes with any
sign.
The connotations of a sign will be much more personal than the
straight forward denotation because they are to do with
personal ideas and feelings about it.
The connotations will not be the same for everybody.

5. Denotation vs. Connotation
• Denotation is the dictionary or literal meaning of a
word.
Connotative words imply emotions.
Plump = a full, round.
Fat = While similar in meaning to plump,
it has a very harsh and mean tone.

6. Think about the rose…
For romantics a red rose can be a symbol of love.
In Lancashire it is a symbol for the county.
It has even been a symbol for a political party.
These are all connotations or extra layers of meaning that the image
carries with it.

7. Think about the apple…
It can be a symbol of health.
It can have associated meanings of New York -“The Big
Apple”.
It can even have stand for sin.
These are all connotations or extra layers of meaning that
the image carries with it.

8. And the lamb…
For some a lamb has linked or extra meanings to do with Wales..
For others it has religious meaning.
It can even stand for a season- Spring .
These are all connotations or extra layers of meaning that the
image carries with it.

9. Word Choice
You may live in a house, but we
live in a home.
The connotation in this sentence is that
a “home” is much more than merely the
structure of a house.

10. The connotation of a word is often
either positive or negative
Positive
We bought inexpensive souvenirs at the amusement park.
Negative
We bought cheap souvenirs at the amusement park.

11. Which word has a positive connotation and
which has a negative one?
Everyone had a
smirk on his/her
face on the ride
home.
Everyone had a
smile on his/her
face on the way
home.

12. Connotation: Negative

13. Which word has a positive
connotation? You Decide!
average mediocre
spit saliva
childish childlike
antique old-fashioned

14. Connotation
• Opposite of Denotation
• Implied Meaning
• May be Favorable or unfavorable