ConnotationThe emotional or cultural meaning attached to a word.

Emotional association with a word.

The set of associations implied by a word in addition to its literal meaning.

Denotationthe literal meaning or "dictionary

definition" of a term, devoid of emotion, attitude, and color.

The most specific or direct meaning of a word, in contrast to its figurative or associated meanings.

Denotation refers to the literal meaning of a word, the "dictionary definition."¨ For example, if you look up the word snake in a dictionary, you will discover that one of its denotative meanings is "any of numerous scaly, legless, sometimes venomous reptiles having a long, tapering, cylindrical body and found in most tropical and temperate regions."

Connotation, on the other hand, refers to the associations that are connected to a certain word or the emotional suggestions related to that word. The connotative meanings of a word exist together with the denotative meanings. The connotations for the word snake could include evil or danger.

ExamplesyoungsterChild kidlittle one small fryBratUrchinJuvenileminor

SkinnyScrawnyThinLeanSkeletalEmaciatedSlenderSlimBony

PracticeGus cooked dinner for Penelope. He prepared

some meat and vegetables and a special dessert.

(1) Describe the meal that Gus prepared, making it sound appetizing by using words with favorable connotations.(2) Describe the meal again, this time using words with negative connotations to make it sound quite unappealing.

Humphrey did not weigh very much. He had brown hair and a small nose. Humphrey wore informal clothing.

(1) Identify and describe this particularly attractive person.

(2) Identify and describe this particularly unattractive person.