Vocabulary - NotesDenotation – It is a word’s strict dictionary meaning.

Connotation – It is the tone of a word – the emotions and associations you make with a word when you hear or read it.

Examples

word denotation connotation scholarly learned favorableopinionated having a closed mind unfavorablefork eating utensil neutral

Emotional Impact of Words & Phrases

The choice of words that a writer uses, and the tone of those words, is what evokes an emotion in us.

The tone of words can be positive, negative, or neutral, etc.

Some words suggest dislike or disapproval.

Notice the difference…

I love him to the depths of my soul.

I’m really crazy about him.

Which one evokes more emotion?

Another example…You look a little odd

today.

You look really weird today.

Which one do think has a stronger, more negative feel to it?

Literal – A word being employed in its strict dictionary meaning. Logical or realistic. Example: A knight slew a fire-breathing dragon and rescued the princess.

Figurative – When words are used in a symbolic way; not literal.

Example: Suddenly, my boss rushed into my office breathing fire.

Literal and Figurative Usage

Synonyms - Means the same or almost the same.

Antonyms – means the opposite or nearly the opposite. Degrees– extremes and others levels in between.

Example:

boiling_______________________________freezing

Context Clues – Vocabulary in Context

Restatement clue - consists of a synonym or a definition of the word.

Contrast clue - consists of an antonym, or a phrase that means the opposite of the missing word.

Inference clue - implies but does not directly state the meaning of the word.