​The dictionary gives us the definition of a word--it's meaning. But words also have connotations. A connotation is a feeling a word gives you. For example, the definition of kitten is just "baby cat." But the connotations of kitten are much more than that. We associate kittens with cuteness, happiness, and playfulness. A kitten makes most people smile.

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​A connotation is a feeling a word gives you

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​Kitten = Happiness

​Now contrast that concept with a zombie. Zombies rarely make people smile or think happy thoughts, so the connotations of the word zombie are different than those of kitten. 

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   ​                              Zombies make us feel creepy, afraid, perhaps even terrified.    

​                                 The definition of zombie is just a fictional undead creature,  

​                                 but we associate these negative feelings with the word

​                                 (even though zombies don't even exist).

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​How do we use connotations in our writing? Recall our lessons about vivid writing and near-synonyms. English is rich in vocabulary, and when choosing words, an important thing we should consider isn't just their definition (though that is important) but also their connotation. 

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​When you're starting any type of paper consider how you want to make the reader feel. Write that down.

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   "In this letter to the editor, I want readers to be worried, even afraid, of how polluted Lake Butterley has become."

  "I want my reader to feel sad because of the hard time the main character of my story is going to have."

  "I love my town, and I want this description to make my reader feel as happy as I do living here."

​Be specific about what emotion you want. This will help guide your word choice as you write.

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​Sometimes writers will even combine two words with different connotations for a surprising or humorous effect. Zombie kitten anyone?

​Ask for help with the following slides