Connotative and Denotative Word Meanings

What does denotation mean?

• The underlying meaning of a word.

• It is the positive meaning of a word.

• The dictionary definition of a word. The literal meaning.

• It is the negative meaning of a word.

What does connotation mean?

• It is always the positive meaning of a word.

• How a word feels or sounds to the reader. Could be positive or negative.

• The dictionary definition of a word.

• It is always the negative meaning of a word.

Decide which word has a negative connotative and which has a positive connotation.

Strong-willed VS. Stubborn

• Positive, Negative

• Negative, Positive

Decide which word has a negative connotative and which has a positive connotation.

Eager VS. Impatient

• Positive, Negative

• Negative, Positive

Decide which word has a negative connotative and which has a positive connotation.

Argue VS. Disagree

• Negative, Positive

• Positive, Negative

Decide which word has a negative connotative and which has a positive connotation.

Careful VS. Cowardly

• Negative, Positive

• Positive, Negative

Decide which word has a negative connotative and which has a positive connotation.

Nosy VS. Interested

• Negative, Positive

• Positive, Negative

Decide which word has a negative connotative and which has a positive connotation.

Old VS. Antique

• Negative, Positive

• Positive, Negative

Decide which word has a negative connotative and which has a positive connotation.

Clever VS. Sly

• Positive, Negative

• Negative, Positive

Decide which word has a negative connotative and which has a positive connotation.

Poor VS. Less Fortunate

• Positive, Negative

• Negative, Positive