Positive and negative connotation
key notes:
| Understanding Connotation |
Words have two types of meanings:
- Denotation: The dictionary definition of a word. This is what the word literally means.
- Connotation: The feeling or idea that a word suggests. This is the implied meaning, and can be positive, negative, or neutral.
Connotation helps us understand the emotional meaning behind words. It’s how we feel when we hear or read a certain word. Understanding connotation helps us choose the best words to express ourselves clearly and effectively.
| Examples of Positive and Negative Connotations |
| Word: Confident Positive Connotation: Assured, self-assured, poised Negative Connotation: Conceited, arrogant, smug | Word: Thin Positive Connotation: Slim, slender, trim Negative Connotation: Skinny, scrawny, gaunt |
| Word: Old Positive Connotation: Vintage, antique, classic Negative Connotation: Decrepit, ancient, outdated | Word: Talkative Positive Connotation: Chatty, communicative, expressive Negative Connotation: Gabby, loudmouth, gossipy |
| Practice Exercises |
Exercise 1: Choose the word with the more positive connotation:
- Thrifty / Cheap
- Courageous / Reckless
- Unique / Weird
Exercise 2: Choose the word with the more negative connotation:
- Persistent / Stubborn
- Inquisitive / Nosy
- Relaxed / Lazy
Exercise 3: For the following words, write one word with a similar meaning but a positive connotation and one word with a negative connotation:
- Firm
- Different
- Proud
| Summary |
Today, we learned about connotation – the feeling a word suggests beyond its dictionary definition. We explored how words can have positive, negative, or neutral connotations, even if their literal meanings are similar. We practiced identifying the connotations of different words and choosing words that best express our intended meaning. Keep practicing to become a word expert!
Let’s practice!
