Connotation vs. Denotation

Connotation vs. Denotation

Denotative meaning is the “dictionary” meaning of a word. Home: House, apartment or other shelter that is the usual residence of a person. The denotative meaning of “home” is the actual structure itself.

Connotative meaning is the secondary, implied (suggested) meaning of a word that often carries emotional weight or impact. “Home” implies a safe, comfortable and secure place. “home” appeals to us on a more personal, emotional level.

Listen to the subtle differences in these two sentences: My wife and I would like you to stop by the house. My wife and I would like to invite you into our home. Which of these sentences sounds more “personal”?

One way to study word connotations is to look at modern slang. It is FULL of connotative meaning. When we read novels, Mr. Maxwell makes us do these lame annotations. What’s the definition of “lame” in this sentence? But here’s what the dictionary, or denotative meaning is: Crippled or physically disabled.

So, in today’s modern slang, which is the connotative meaning of “lame”? Lame= Stupid, ridiculous, idiotic, meaningless, pathetic, etc, etc. Lame = Physically disabled

Let’s do another slang word: I really liked the song, but Jonathan said that it’s gay. The older denotative, or dictionary meaning of “gay” is “having or showing a merry mood.” A more modern denotative meaning is “a homosexual person, especially a male.” But what is the modern, connotative meaning of “gay”?

So what’s today’s modern connotative meaning of “gay”? Stupid, bad, lousy, dumb, etc. Gay = Gay=

Connotative meaning of a word depends very heavily on the “context” for its intended meaning. “context” refers to “what’s around” the word, or how it fits in with the other words. Let’s look closer at “context” by using pictures

Which of these is out of context?

Do you see how “context” refers to how things fit with one another? Family guy is NOT a superhero, and asparagus is NOT a fruit. So we can say that family guy and asparagus are “out of context” with the rest of the pictures. Now let’s put some pictures “in context”.

So who else would fit in this “context”? Look carefully before you decide.

Any “adult” Southpark character might work, such as Kyle’s mom But if you look close, the context is even more specific than that. Who would fit? How about Ned? What then, is the specific “context”? Adult male Southpark characters

So let’s look at how the context affects meaning of the word “lame”. After tripping over the hurdle, the horse appeared to be lame. Does this refer to the denotative meaning or the connotative meaning of the word “lame”? The connotative meaning: stupid, dumb, ridiculous. The denotative, or dictionary meaning: Crippled or physically disabled.

How about this one . . . Even though the movie featured Ashton Kutcher and Larry the Cable Guy, it was totally lame. This time the context affects the word “lame” and makes it refer to the connotative meaning, such as“stupid” or “dumb” or even “gay”. “Physically disabled” just won’t fit in this context.

Some words in the English language are loaded with connotative meaning, let’s take a look at some: Fire: Denotative meaning=a burning mass of material. Fire: Possible connotative meanings=love, passion, rage, anger, effort, drive, hell, brilliance, glow, etc,etc.

Think of the different connotations associated with the word “sun”. List as many as you can. Life inviting Warmth guidance Rebirth hope Growth summer Light carefree Bright optimism

Connotative words also carry with them positive, negative or neutral meanings which rely heavily on context Dog slammed the perp’s head into the glass chess set, sending pieces flying crazily through the air. negative Upon learning that he was going to be a grandpa, Dog slammed a Corona and high-fived his wife. positive Just as the mother duck wobbled into the road, Dog slammed on the brakes, which sent a torrent of diet Coke surging over the Escalade’s dashboard. neutral

Let’s practice using connotative meanings in their proper context. As snakes continue to grow, they (junk, shed) the protective keratinous layer on the surface of their bodies because it does not expand. Which word in parentheses best fits the context and connotation?

During rush hour traffic in a metropolis, cars creep along at agonizingly slow (velocities, speeds).

Although many Americans purchase meat at their local grocery stores, some farmers still (butcher, execute) livestock to feed their families.

Connotation vs. Denotation