What is the difference between connotative meaning and denotative meaning

These two terms are easy to confuse because they describe related concepts. The denotation of a word or phrase is its explicit or direct meaning. Another way to think of it is as the associations that a word usually elicits for most speakers of a language, as distinguished from those elicited for any individual speaker because of personal experience.

The connotation of a word or phrase is the associated or secondary meaning; it can be something suggested or implied by a word or thing, rather than being explicitly named or described. Many people would agree that home connotes a sense of belonging and comfort, whereas house conveys little more than a structure. To continue the example above a bit further, assume that at least one listener in my audience grew up during the s.

While we assume that this misinterpretation would become quickly apparent and perhaps humorous to the listener as the speech continued, the fact remains that the speaker has lost the attention of at least one audience member, however briefly, due to the idiosyncrasy of language. Privacy Policy. Skip to main content. Writing an essay for class? Learn about the 3 key essay formats and when you should be using each. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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Score on SAT Writing. What ACT target score should you be aiming for? How to Get a Perfect 4. How to Write an Amazing College Essay. A Comprehensive Guide. Choose Your Test. Connotation and Denotation: What's the Difference? Denotation Definition Denotation is the literal meaning of a word.

Connotation Definition What does connotation mean? Examples of Connotation and Denotation Want to see more examples of connotation vs denotation? Word Group 1: Slender, Scrawny, Bony, Gaunt Denotation: All of these words are synonyms of thin and are used to describe someone or something without much body fat.