Diction, Connotation, and Denotation

Words mean exactly what they say

• concrete

• connotation

• literal

word choice

• free verse

• denotation 

• diction

• personification

Home: a safe, private, warm place

• connotation

• denotation

• parody

• metaphor

Home: where one resides or lives

• connotation

• denotation

• syntax

• rhetoric

Rather than the dictionary definition, the associations suggested by a word. Implied meaning rather than literal meaning.

• colloquial

• connotation

• denotation

• jargon

Word choice, particularly as an element of style.

• diction

• allusion

• tone

• logos

The literal, explicit meaning of a word, without its connotations.

• diction

• vernacular

• syntax

• denotation

Which connotation is MORE positive?

We saw ______ animals at the zoo.

• Interesting

• Weird

Which connotation is MORE negative?

It made me feel _______.

• Uneasy

• Frightened

Denotation is a word's ____________.

• Literal, dictionary definition

• Emotional meaning

• Diction

• Mood