Definition of connotation: Connotation is a further association that a word suggests other than its literal dictionary meaning. What is connotation? The connotation of a word is an idea or feeling that the word invokes in addition to
its literal meaning. Words evoke many meanings to people that extend beyond the technical definitions known as denotations. Connotations are what we associate with words based on our personal experience with them. Examples of Connotation: A good example of connotation in words is the word spider. Animals make for good illustrations of connotation, so let’s look at another.
What is the Difference Between Connotation and Denotation?Connotation and denotation both deal with the meanings associated with words, but they are opposite in their approach.
Connotation vs. Denotation Example:
Notice how the denotation of mushroom is its technical definition that everyone will see when he or she looks the word up in a dictionary. The connotation, however, varies widely on what individual people associate with mushrooms. The denotation of a word is limited while the connotation has the potential to be endless. The Function of ConnotationWhen writing, it is important to be cognizant of a word’s denotation as well as the connotation your audience may have with it. Denotations are essential for meaning and understanding, while connotations are important in setting the mood of a piece of literature. For example, if the purpose is to establish the mood of the story to be cool and calm, you may want to use words that evoke these feelings such as the colors green and blue. In literature, connotation is often used to set the mood of the piece.Here are some examples of this: In James Hurst’s “The Scarlet Ibis,” connation is used in order to set the mood in the introduction. It is also used to foreshadow the events to come in the story.
This example includes words that are often associated with death such as dead, bleeding, stained, rotting, brown, and rank. By using words with this connotation, Hurts sets the somber mood and foreshadows the death of the young character, Doodle. Another example of the use of connotation is in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
In Romeo’s line, he compares Juliet to light and the sun. Shakespeare does this because light and sun have positive connotations. Many people associate these words with happiness; therefore, we are able to understand how Romeo feels about Juliet and that creates and exciting and romantic mood. Positive vs. Negative ConnotationOftentimes, words evoke either a positive or negative connotation, depending on a person’s experience with the word.When writing, it is important to be aware of the words you are using and how they often translate to the audience. While most people may see one word in a positive light, some people may have a negative association with it, which would affect their connotation. For example,
SummaryDefine connotation: The connotation of a word is a feeling or idea that is evoked from associations with the word itself. These feelings may well extend beyond the dictionary definition. Writers must be aware of a word’s connotation when writing in order to set the mood of their work effectively. Final example, From Emily Dickinson’s “ ‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers,”
In this example, Dickinson uses words with positive connotation such as feathers, soul, sings, and tune to establish the positive outlook she has regarding the concept of hope. Contents
What do we call an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning?A connotation is a commonly understood cultural or emotional association that any given word or phrase carries, in addition to its explicit or literal meaning, which is its denotation.
What do you call the feeling or idea a word brings?Connotation is the emotional and imaginative association surrounding a word. Denotation is the strict dictionary meaning of a word.
What is meaning of connotation and denotation?DENOTATION: The direct definition of the word that you find in the dictionary. CONNOTATION: The emotional suggestions of a word, that is not literal.
What is positive and negative connotation?Negative connotation is the bad feeling or emotion that is connected to a word. Positive connotation is the good feeling or emotion that is connected to a word. Neutral connotation occurs when a word does not have positive or negative feelings connected to the word.
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