Denotation (Meaning)
What is Denotation
The dictionary meaning of a word
What is Connotation?
The feeling or emotion of a word
Confident → positive or negative?
Positive
Replace with a Positive word: Cheap
Affordable
Why would an author choose “affordable” instead of “cheap”?
Sound more positive
Do "home" and "house" have the same denotation?
Yes
Which word has a better connotation?
Cheap or affordable
Affordable
Arrogant → positive or negative?
Negative
Replace with a negative word: Confident
Arrogant
If a teacher says “interesting…” what might the connotation be?
Possibly negative
What is the Denotation of child?
A young Person
Which has a negative connotation?
Skinny or Slender?
Skinny
Curious → positive or negative?
Positive
Replace with a positive word: Skinny
Slender
Which sounds more respectful: old or elderly
Elderly
Do "cheap" and "affordable" have the same denotation?
Yes
Which sounds more positive?
Childish or youthful
Youthful
Stubborn → positive or negative?
Usually negative
Replace with a negative word: Curious
Nosy
Why does word choice matter in writing
It changed tone and feeling
Why is denotation important?
It tells what a word literally means
Why do writers care about connotation?
It affects how readers feel
Nosy → positive or negative?
Negative
Replace with a positive word: Old
Elderly/ Experienced
Give TWO words with same meaning but different Connotations