English 9 / Unit 10: Vocabulary and Research Skills
10.4 Denotation, Connotation and Word Choice
Notes
Denotation is a word's dictionary meaning. Connotation is the feeling or idea attached to it: positive, negative or neutral.
- Thrifty (positive), frugal (neutral), cheap (negative) share a similar denotation.
- Curious (positive) vs. nosy (negative).
- Writers choose words with connotations that create tone and persuade.
- Nuance: small differences in meaning, such as glance (quick look) vs. stare (long look).
Practice
Which word has the most negative connotation?
"Arrogant" suggests an unpleasant, excessive pride.
A writer wants readers to admire a character who keeps trying. Which word fits best?
"Determined" has a positive connotation.
"Slender" and "skinny" have similar denotations. How do their connotations differ?
Same basic meaning, different emotional associations.
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