Connotation and Denotation

​Denotation refers to a word's literal meaning-- it is the dictionary definition of a word!

​Think D = Dictionary definition!

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​Connotation refers to the feelings and ideas (positive or negative) associated with that word. It is the IMPLIED meaning.

​Let's take a look at the word snake.

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​The denotative definition of the word snake is a "long limbless reptile which has no eyelids, a short tail, and jaws that are capable of considerable extension."

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​Meanwhile, snake is also used to refer to treacherous or deceitful individuals. This is it's connotative meaning! The word "snake" has a negative connotation.

​Certain words have positive connotations while other words have negative ones. (Some are neutral.)

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Take a look at the words "cheap" and "inexpensive." Both have similar definitions yet one is interpreted more negatively (cheap).

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​Since different words have different associations, writers often purposefully select words that they think will appeal to your emotions.

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There are over 2,000 vagrants in the city.

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There are over 2,000 people with no fixed address in the city.

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There are over 2,000 homeless in the city.

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​negative There are over 2,000 vagrants in the city. neutral There are over 2,000 people with no fixed address in the city. positive There are over 2,000 homeless in the city.

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Vagrants = public nuisance

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​People with no fixed address = dry, legal expression for someone without a stable home

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​Homeless = object of pity and charity

​When we analyze the text, we can pinpoint certain words and analyze their connotation! In this way, we can write stronger analysis.

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​Ex: The narrator refers to the homeless as "vagrants," indicating that he thought poorly of them as "vagrants" has a negative connotation. They are seen as a public nuisance in the eyes of the narrator.