Connotation and Denotation: What’s the difference, and why should I care?

1. Connotation and Denotation: What’s the difference, and why should I care? "The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug.“ Mark Twain V.S. Pritchett

2. It’s all in the words! Connotation Connotation is the way the word is used. Different connotations evoke different images and responses from the reader or one who hears the word. Denotation • Denotation is the dictionary definition of a word. • Think D = definition Antique, classic or junker?

3. Green is just a color, right? Not exactly! What is a company that uses environmentally safe products and procedures? It’s a “green” company! That’s a good thing! People want to buy goods and services from a company which respects the environment.

4. What’s the connotation? The green recruit did not understand military procedures, and he found himself in trouble with the sergeant. The spoiled girl turned green with envy over the other girl’s beautiful prom dress.

5. Words can have positive or negative connotations. Negative Scrawny Skinny Bony Positive • Thin • Fit • Healthy

6. What about blue? But… what about…. It’s a color! He’s got the blues because his girlfriend ran away with his best friend! The student sang the blues about his failing grade, but he forgot to mention that he didn’t study!

7. A house is a house, right? From her window in the ornate, fifty - room castle, the stunning princess could see the entire kingdom! Cozy and well maintained, the suburban homes shone with the glow of holiday lights. A dilapidated, run down dump at the end of the road was once a beautiful farmhouse, but time has taken its toll on the old place.

8. Everyone loves to eat, but how do fast food companies get us to buy their products?

9. It’s connotation! Value Delicious! Mouth Watering! Tasty! delectable Juicy! Fresh! Healthy, wholesome!