Denotation

Denotation
The denotation of a word
is its dictionary meaning,
independent of other
associations that the
word may have.
 Connotation
The connotation of a word is the set of
ideas associated with it in addition to its
explicit meaning. The connotation of a
word can be personal, based on
individual experiences. More often,
cultural connotations – those
recognizable by most people in a group –
determine a writer’s word choices.
Identify the word that
would best complete
the sentences.
1. A flashing yellow light on a
highway (denotes,connotes)
caution.
2. The term “skinny” has a
negative (denotation,
connotation).
3. Both “cheap” and
“inexpensive” (denote,
connote) something that has a
low price.
4. The (denotations,
connotations) of words are
usually neutral.
5. When politicians answer
questions, hesitation may
(denote,connote) weakness
or ignorance on a topic.
6. To some, the word “school”
(denotes,connotes) confinement,
but it may suggest intellectual
excitement or sociability to
others.
7. The word “beach”
(denotes,connotes) a sandy
shore.
8. Because the (denotations,
connotations) of “pushy” and
“assertive” are quite different,
the two words are not
interchangeable.

9. Mother (connotes, denotes)

someone as loving and caring
10. The word pub is a building
providing alcoholic drinks is
(denotative, connotative)
11. To the audience, bullfight
(connotes, denotes) excitement
12. To the Greeks the columns
(connote, denotes) the notion of
democracy
13. Cat (denotes, connotes) a
mammal, domesticated as a rat
catcher or pet
14. A gray or black cloud would
( denote, connote that rain will fall
soon
15. We have to live our dreams is
(connotative, denotative)