The document discusses the primary and secondary meanings of words, specifically looking at the words "eye", "scale", and "green". It explains that the primary or denotative meaning is the literal dictionary definition, while the secondary or connotative meaning involves personal and emotional associations. For each word, it lists possible connotations beyond the dictionary definitions, such as an eye representing wisdom or surveillance, a scale representing justice or standards, and green representing nature, money, or growth.

1. Primary Meaning, Dictionary Definition
Denotation
Connotation
Secondary Meaning, Personal &
Emotional Associations

2. Window to the Soul
Surveillance
Clairvoyance
Wisdom
Justice
Equality
Standards
Judgement
Jealousy/Envy
Growth/Evolution
Nature/Environment
Money/Greed
Eye Scales Green

3. Eye
Scale
Green
Window to the Soul
Surveillance
Clairvoyance
Wisdom
The “eye” is what we see. What an eye
connotes or represents can be multiple
other concepts. The image is literally an
eye; figuratively, the eye can be
surveillance, wisdom, or wisdom.
Justice
Equality
Standards
Judgement
A “scale” is that which weighs and
measures; that’s its denotation. Justice,
equality, standards, and judgment are
possible connotations of a scale - what a
scale might mean.
Jealousy/Envy
Growth/Evolution
Nature
Money/Greed
Green is a color on the spectrum; that’s
what it “is”. It is also a symbol or
representation. Green can signify a bunch
of different concepts: nature, greed, growth,
or even “Go!”.

4. Something I can see My interpretation
What something actually is What something represents
Literal Meaning Figurative Meaning
Denotation (definition) Connotation (association)
Conventional Fact: Objective Personal Meaning:
Subjective