Denotation and Connotation

Connotation is

• A word's dictionary definition

• Feelings around a word

• Creative writing

• The most important part of a story

Denotation is

• A word's dictionary definition

• Feelings around a word

• Creative writing

• The most important part of a story

Which of these words has a positive connotation?

• scream

• eat

• enjoy

• avoid

Which of these words has a negative connotation?

• want

• eat

• enjoy

• hate

Which of these words has a negative connotation?

• urgent

• glum

• sensitive

• essential

Which of these words has a positive connotation?

• ignorant

• horrid

• exempt

• intelligent

Kim was strong and independent. She always took care of her own business and she didn't let others discourage her.

Which words show how the author feels about Kim?

• "business" and "discourage"

• "strong" and "care"

• "strong" and "independent"

• "didn't" and "discourage"

Arnold looked down at the gloppy mess on his lunch tray. He was supposed to eat this disaster? It didn't even look like food!

Which words show how Arnold feels about his lunch?

• "gloppy mess" and "disaster"

• "food" and "lunch tray"

• "mess" and "lunch tray"

• "down" and "didn't"

Sherry stared into the store window. The new Jordans seemed to smile back at her. The leather was gorgeous and the colors were perfect. Too bad she couldn't afford them.

Which words show how Sherry feels about the shoes?

• "new" and "leather"

• "stared" and "smile"

• "gorgeous" and "perfect"

• "bad" and "couldn't afford"

Rick gazed over at Crystal as she completed her quiz. She was so focused and he wondered if she noticed him.

How could you CHANGE a word in this passage to switch the connotations?

• Changing the word gazed to stared would make it seem creepy.

• Changing the word focused to on a mission would make Crystal seem mean.

• Changing the word wondered if to wished would let us know that Rick likes her.