This document discusses denotation and connotation in word choice and analysis. It defines denotation as the literal or dictionary meaning of a word, while connotation refers to the implied meanings and associations. Words can have both positive and negative connotations. Examples are provided of words with their denotative and connotative meanings, including brutal, commitment, and tight. The document emphasizes that good writers consider both denotation and connotation when choosing words.

2. Denotation
Connotation

3. Reading – Word Analysis
Denotation and Connotation
UNUSUAL UNUSUAL
Denotation - extraordinary Connotation - bizarre

4. Good writers choose their words for
the effects they have upon their
readers. Word choice is also a clue to
the writer’s attitude toward his/her
subject – tone.

5. They think about the denotation
of a word – its dictionary meaning
and the connotation – the implied
meanings and associations when
choosing words.

6. Denotation
is the literal meaning of a word
Connotation
is adding attitude to a word

7. A word can have positive or negative
associations or connotations. Study the
following chart.
Word
Positive
Connotation
Negative
Connotation
plain easy gawky
unusual extraordinary bizarre
firm determined unyielding

8. Here is a sample of a word that has denotative meaning
and connotative associations:
“She’s my baby.”
Denotation
infant
Connotation
girl friend

9. Now let’s try one together:
The word player can have two meanings.
The soccer goalie was a real player.
(discuss the denotative meaning)

10. The word player can have two meanings.
The soccer goalie was a real player.
Denotation:
one who plays in a game
(discuss the connotative meaning)

11. The word player can have two meanings.
The soccer goalie was a real player.
Connotation
one who uses people

12. Here are some words that have denotative
and connotative meanings. On your paper,
create a chart like the one below and identify
the denotative and connotative meanings
of the following words.
Word Denotation Connotation
brutal
commitment
tight

13. The word brutal can have two meanings.
The fight scene in the Two Towers between
the Orcs and the travelers was brutal.
Denotation
extremely cruel
Connotation
violent to the point
of entertaining

14. Word Denotation Connotation
brutal
extremely
cruel
violent to the
point of
entertaining
commitment
tight

15. The word commitment can have two meanings.
The couple has a commitment to each other.
Denotation
a pledge to do
Connotation
an emotional
connection to
another person

16. Word Denotation Connotation
brutal
extremely
cruel
violent to the
point of
entertaining
commitment
a pledge to
do
an emotional
connection to
another
person
tight

17. The word tight can have two meanings.
The dress she was wearing was really tight.
Denotation
fixed firmly in place
Connotation
good, fantastic, awesome

18. Word Denotation Connotation
brutal
extremely
cruel
violent to the
point of
entertaining
commitment
a pledge to
do
an emotional
connection
to another
person
tight
fixed firmly
in place
good,
fantastic,
awesome