What is the difference between connotation and denotation of a word

Connotation is much in contrast with denotation. The difference between connotation and denotation is that connotation is the hidden meaning or the emotional perspectives of a word whereas a denotation is directly the dictionary meaning of the word. Both are two very important methods in language, but both have their own specific places to fulfill.

It adds extra meaning to the word depending on the background it is spoken about. Undertone, implication, and import are synonymous with connotation. It is to be kept in mind that connotations are only suggestive meanings and connotations can be classified into two divisions, positive and negative. Denotation stands for the direct or primary meaning or meanings of a word or words by the definition of the dictionary.

The words definition, meaning, indication, and implication are almost synonymous with the word denotation. It is used to signify or mean something specific.

Denotations are the literal meaning of the respective word. A connotation of a word which signifies the cultural or the emotional association of the word which is a little different from the direct meaning of the word. Connotations are the suggestive meanings of a word.

It can either be positive or be negative. Connotation is mainly used to relate how a thing or a set of things can be related to a word or a phrase based on its emotional or social judgment.

We can also see some differences between synonyms due to this concept of connotation. For example, the two words home and house denote the same thing, but home is associated with family, love, comfort and security whereas house is not.

Connotation is often described as being positive and negative. For example, look at the words childish and child-like. Both these mean literary the same. But childish connotes negative qualities whereas childlike connotes more positive qualities like innocence.

Look at the words below and try to think of connotations of these synonyms. Choosing the correct word to suit the context is very important. Some words, like "awesome birthday cake," have a positive connotation. Here are some other examples:. Let's remove religious connotations and call it the winter equinox break. Denotation is literally the word for a word! It's the literal meaning of a word, a gesture, or any mark, without emotion. No strings attached. When something drips or drops in, that carries a slow connotation.

But, when something pours in, it's coming in at a rate that's too fast. To say someone twinkles when they smile or they have a twinkle in their eye connotes an element of positivity and goodness.

If someone has a twinkle in their eye, they're usually thinking positive thoughts and, perhaps, wanting to share them with you. Imagine an ocean wave literally crashing down on you. If you're not prepared, it's unpleasant. So, for anything in life to come upon you in waves, that means it's more than you're able to handle - until you find a way to swim to the proverbial shoreline and catch a breath. Now that you've seen denotations and connotations in action, give this Connotation and Denotation Worksheet a try!

If you need help with downloading or printing the PDF, refer to this guide for Adobe printables. Without question, words have meaning. That's why words can sometimes cause more damage than physical violence. To call someone "cheap" is quite different than saying they're "frugal" or "smart with money.

So, we must be careful not only in our speech but also in our prose. The descriptors you use for your characters, setting, and plot will tell readers what they need to know, so be sure to be precise. For more, enjoy these connotations in literature examples.

Watch the pros insert subtle meaning into their prose through the gentle use of connotative words. All rights reserved. Home Grammar Difference Between Connotation vs.

Denotation Difference Between Connotation vs. Difference Between Connotation vs. What Is Denotation? A Look at Connotations Connotation, on the other hand, is an indirect or implied meaning or feeling. Connotation vs.