📖 ReadingGrade 5Lesson 6
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Learn connotation vs denotation

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Learning Objectives

  • 1Define denotation as a word’s dictionary meaning
  • 2Define connotation as the feeling a word carries
  • 3Sort words by positive, neutral, or negative connotation
  • 4Choose the word whose connotation best fits the audience
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Mini Lesson

Two words can mean almost the same thing in the dictionary and still feel completely different. The dictionary meaning is called the DENOTATION. The feeling or attitude a word carries is called the CONNOTATION. Strong writers pick words for both — what they mean AND what they make readers feel.

Denotation vs Connotation

  • Denotation — the literal, dictionary definition. THRIFTY and CHEAP both denote "not spending much money."
  • Connotation — the feeling the word carries. THRIFTY feels like a compliment; CHEAP feels like an insult.
  • Connotations are usually grouped as POSITIVE (warm, kind), NEUTRAL (plain, factual), or NEGATIVE (cold, harsh).
  • Same denotation, different connotation: childlike (positive — innocent) vs childish (negative — immature).

How to choose the right word

  1. Start with the meaning — what does the word literally denote?
  2. Listen to the feeling — does it sound kind, neutral, or unkind?
  3. Picture the audience — who is reading this and what do you want them to feel?
  4. Pick the word whose connotation matches the message you want to send.
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Calling a careful saver "cheap" instead of "thrifty" changes the message from praise to put-down — same denotation, very different connotation.

Word Feelings ChartWord Feelings ChartDenotationPositiveNeutralNegativenot spendingmuchthriftyfrugalcheapthinslimthinskinnysure of selfconfidentassuredarrogantSame dictionary meaning. Very different feelings.
Word-Choice FlowWord-Choice Flow1What does the word MEAN?2How does the word FEEL?3Who is my AUDIENCE?4Pick the BEST word for them
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A thesaurus shows words with similar denotations, but the connotations can be very different. Always test the swap in a sentence before you commit to it.

Vocabulary
denotation
The dictionary meaning of a word.e.g. The denotation of "home" is the place where one lives.
connotation
The feelings and ideas a word brings to mind beyond its dictionary meaning.e.g. "Home" carries warm connotations of comfort and family.
positive connotation
A pleasant or approving feeling tied to a word.e.g. "Confident" has a positive connotation.
negative connotation
An unpleasant or disapproving feeling tied to a word.e.g. "Arrogant" has a negative connotation.
neutral connotation
Having little emotional weight either way.e.g. "Sure of himself" is more neutral than confident or arrogant.
audience
The reader or listener for whom writing or speech is intended.e.g. Choose words whose connotation fits your audience.
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