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Understanding Denotation and Connotation

Language uses symbols to represent ideas, objects, and feelings, which can be interpreted in multiple ways. To precisely convey intent, a writer must understand the denotations and connotations of words. Denotation refers to the literal or primary meaning of a word. Connotation involves the feelings, thoughts, and images suggested by a word beyond its strict definition. Understanding denotation and connotation allows for discerning meaning from text.

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89 views2 pages

Understanding Denotation and Connotation

Language uses symbols to represent ideas, objects, and feelings, which can be interpreted in multiple ways. To precisely convey intent, a writer must understand the denotations and connotations of words. Denotation refers to the literal or primary meaning of a word. Connotation involves the feelings, thoughts, and images suggested by a word beyond its strict definition. Understanding denotation and connotation allows for discerning meaning from text.

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Su Vân
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Language is symbolic in that we use it to represent ideas, objects, and feelings.

Because language is only


representative, you can interpret any given statement in more than one way. Sometimes the difference
is simply literal versus figurative interpretation. Denotation and connotation are two more tools you can
employ to discern the meaning of an unfamiliar term. For a writer to express herself precisely, she must
understand both the denotations and connotations of words and use that understanding to convey to
the reader her exact intent.

Denotation

The term comes from the Latin word “denotationem,” meaning “indication.” According to Oxford
Languages: Denotation is the literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas
that the word suggests.

the main meaning of a word, not including the feelings or ideas that people may connect with the word

the actual object or idea to which the word refers.

Denotation means the literal definition of a word. To give an example, the denotation for blue is the
color blue.

For example:

This blue dress is my favourite. Blue with the denotative meaning is simply the color blue

A snake entered the house while my family were watching films”. snake with denotative meanings as
legless animal, and sometimes venomous reptiles.

There are no hidden meanings.

Connotation

According to Collins Dictionary, connotation is the associated or secondary meaning of a word or


expression in addition to its explicit or primary meaning:

Many words have multiple meanings or can be implied to mean something other than the definition we
find in the dictionary.

The connotation of a word goes beyond its strict meaning to express the feelings, thoughts, and images
the word suggests or evokes.

Connotation is the emotional and imaginative association surrounding a word.

EX:

I feel blue whenever I’m alone. In this case, blue is sadness, my feeling is so sad.

A snake entered the villa while I was eating with my family”. the word snake with connotative meanings
refers to someone evil or dangerous.

Types of connotations

1. The connotation of degree or intensity


Ex: to surprise – to astonish – to amaze – to astound

2. Connotation of duration

Ex: to gaze – to glance – to peep

3. Emotive connotations

Ex: to stare – to glare – to gaze

Ex: angry – furious – enraged

4. The evaluative connotation

Ex: well-known – famous – notorious – celebrated

Notorious bears a negative evaluative connotation (a notorious murderer, robber, coward)

Celebrated a positive one. (a celebrated scholar, artist, singer.)

5. The causative connotation

Ex: to shiver and to shudder

To shiver with cold, from a chill; to shudder with horror, fear, etc.

6. The connotation of manner

Ex: to stroll – to stride – to trot – to swagger – to stagger – to stumble

7. The connotation of attendant features

Ex: pretty, handsome, beautiful

Beautiful is mostly associated with classical features and a perfect figure,

Handsome with a tall stature and fine proportions,

Pretty with small delicate features and a fresh complexion.

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