What determines the definition of a

word?

Is there more to a word than how it is defined in the dictionary?

Yes, there is more. In fact, every word has at least two definitions:

connotative and denotative

So, what’s the difference?

The denotative definition is based on the________definition of a word.

The connotative definition is the________________________ meaning of a word.

literal

figurative or emotional

Let’s try giving the connotative

definition for some common words.

Love

Denotative definition: a warmth and tender liking; a deep feeling of fondness and friendship.

Connotative definition: a word which describes . . . . . . .

AngerDenotative definition : the feeling one has toward something that hurts, opposes, offends, or annoys.

Connotative definition: When I feel . . .

Patriotism

Denotative definition: love or loyal support for one’s country

Connotative definition: The act of . . .

ChristmasDenotative definition: a holiday celebrated on December 25

Connotative definition : A time of year when . . .

Your assignment

Define the word “gift.”

Give both a denotative and a connotative definition.

Turn these definitions into a five paragraph essay.

Follow the structure of a well organized essay.

Introductory paragraph

Broad

to

_______

Thesis

statement

Specific

Each of the three supporting paragraphs

must contain

•A topic sentence

•Supporting examples

•A concluding sentence which ties the paragraph to the topic sentence

Concluding paragraph

Specific

To

__________Broad

Be careful not to begin a new idea.

Consider your audience

It will be O.K. to use personal pronouns like I, me, my, we, our, and us .

It will be okay to use the pronoun you.

Remember to check the important stuff.

• What about the word this?

•What about contractions?

•What about slang terms?

•What about tense consistency?

•What about parallelism?