Connotative WordsObjective/ Goal: I can determine the meaning of words

and phrases in text.

Connotative vs. Denotative Words

Denotative is the literal meaning of a word. It’s the dictionary definition.

Example: Sick means affected by physical or mental illness. (I’m feeling sick after too much steak.)

Connotative is the emotions and other associations connected to the word. Words have a positive, negative, or neutral connotation.

Example: Sick can also mean crazy, cool, insane. (Did you see that sick trick Eddie did on his skateboard?)

Why learn this?

Understanding a word’s literal (denotative) and suggested (connotative) meanings are important for every speaker or writer.

For example, using the word “dude” to refer to a man may not be appropriate if you’re speaking to your grandpa. On the other hand, if you call your friend “dude” while playing a game of basketball, nobody would even notice.

Word Choice

!Depending on the context, the connotation of a word choice can change the meaning of a sentence.

!Example: “dumb” or “stupid” can be negative, especially depending on the audience.

!If it is two friends calling each other “dumb” as a joke, it might not be negative.

Let’s practice!

Which word in each set is positive?

argue vs. debate

sentimental vs. mushy

arrogant vs. confident

cheap vs. economical

energetic vs. hyperactive

bossy vs. dominant

difficult challenging

cowardly vs. careful

childlike vs. childish

relaxed vs. lazy

nosy vs. inquisitive

Let’s look for connotations in a poem!

Magic Landscape Shall I draw a magic landscape? In the genius of my fingers I hold the seeds. Can I grow a painting like a flower? Can I sculpture a future without weeds?

By Joyce Carol Thomas

Foghorns The foghorns moaned in the bay last night so sad so deep I thought I heard the city crying in its sleep.

By Lilian Moore

Mood vs. Tone

Tone is the writer’s attitude toward a subject

Mood is the way you (the audience) feels while reading

Now, let’s look for the mood in poems…

Magic Landscape Shall I draw a magic landscape? In the genius of my fingers I hold the seeds. Can I grow a painting like a flower? Can I sculpture a future without weeds?

By Joyce Carol Thomas

Foghorns The foghorns moaned in the bay last night so sad so deep I thought I heard the city crying in its sleep.

By Lilian Moore

The mood of this poem is thoughtful.

The mood of this poem is sad.

Closure

How can the author choose words based on their connotation to influence the mood and tone of a piece of writing?

Finished early? Go back and answer the essential questions from your foldable!