Denotation/Connotation Exercises Denotation: The dictionary definition. The agreed meaning of a word shared by a community. Connotation: In addition to the explicit or denoted meaning. The unique definition of a word held by an individual.
Each word holds both its denotation as expressed in a dictionary and its connotation as held by the writer and by his or her audience. Since we each interpret or define words differently, it is essential, as French philosopher Voltaire admonished, that you “first define your terms” before engaging in any discussion or argument. Complete the following exercises:
I. Give the connotation of the italicized words implied within the context of each sentence. Then contrast it with the denotation of each word as provided below in bold.
A. All men are created equal.
o Men: plural of man, which is defined as an adult male person, as distinguished
from a boy or a woman.
o Equal: as great as; the same as; like or alike in quantity, degree, value, etc.
My Boo has a killer recipe for fried chicken.
o Boo: an utterance to show disapproval or contempt. o Killer: a person or thing that kills.
We need to return to family values and remember that children are our future.
o Family: a group of people related to one another by blood or marriage.
o Values: a person’s principles or standards of behavior or what’s important in life. o Future: the time or period of time following the moment of speaking or writing.
D. She acts like a kitten, but she is really a cougar. o Kitten: a young cat.
o Cougar: a large, tawny cat of North and South America.
II. Using concrete examples, explain the differences between necessities, comforts, and luxuries.
Consider how their definitions are affected by time, geography, culture, age, and wealth.
Necessities

Comforts

Luxuries

Denotation/Connotation Exercises
Denotation: The dictionary definition. The agreed meaning of a word shared by a community. Connotation: In addition to the explicit or denoted meaning. The unique definition of a word held by an individual.
Each word holds both its denotation as expressed in a dictionary and its connotation as held by the writer and by his or her audience. Since we each interpret or define words differently, it is essential, as French philosopher Voltaire admonished, that you “first define your terms” before engaging in any discussion or argument. Complete the following exercises:
I. Give the connotation of the italicized words implied within the context of each sentence. Then contrast it with the denotation of each word as provided below in bold.
A. All men are created equal.
o Men: plural of man, which is defined as an adult male person, as distinguished
from a boy or a woman.
o Equal: as great as; the same as; like or alike in quantity, degree, value, etc.
My Boo has a killer recipe for fried chicken.
o Boo: an utterance to show disapproval or contempt. o Killer: a person or thing that kills.
We need to return to family values and remember that children are our future.
o Family: a group of people related to one another by blood or marriage.
o Values: a person’s principles or standards of behavior or what’s important in life. o Future: the time or period of time following the moment of speaking or writing.
D. She acts like a kitten, but she is really a cougar. o Kitten: a young cat.
o Cougar: a large, tawny cat of North and South America.
II. Using concrete examples, explain the differences between necessities, comforts, and luxuries.
Consider how their definitions are affected by time, geography, culture, age, and wealth.
Necessities

Comforts

Luxuries