Word Choice (Denotation and Connotation)

In argumentative writing, as in an editorial, authors choose their

words carefully in order to best convince the audience of his/her point
of view. They try to pick the most precise words to create the proper
tone for their message. The way they achieve this effect is to write
with words that have attached to them certain denotations and
connotations.

Denotation-Dictionary, literal meaning of words

Connotation-Common associations that people make with words (positive
or negative)

Example
Word: Gray
Denotation-Color of any shade between the colors of black and white
Connotation-Negative, Gloom, Sadness, Old Age

Practice
Word: Mustang
Denotation-Small, wild horse of the North American Plains
Connotation-Positive, strong, fast, sleek, beautiful
The connotation of the word is why Ford carmakers would choose to
name one of its models “Mustang.”

Think of two currently used automobile names. What are the

denotations of the words? What connotations did the manufacturer
hope to evoke in naming that car that particular name? What details do
the names bring to mind? What does the name tell you about who
drives the car, how fast it is, and what its features are?
 Denotation and Connotation Practice

Car #1 Car #2
Automobile Name:

Denotation:

Connotations:

What name tells you about

driver, speed, features of car:

Now think of a car and color that describe you. Be prepared to share your response with
the class.

Car:

Features of car that are similar to you:

Color:

Reason for color of car:

 Connotation Practice

Words with similar dictionary meanings often have different connotations, so it is very important for a writer to choose
words carefully. Consider the following table. Each row contains a list of words with similar dictionary meanings but
different shades of feeling.

Neutral Favorable (Positive) Unfavorable (Negative)

1. Inactive

2. Shy

3. Funny

4. Old

5. Reserved

6. Persistent

7. New

8. Conservative

9. Proud

10. Curious

POSSIBLE ANSWERS—TEACHER KEY:

Neutral Favorable Unfavorable

inactive relaxed lazy

shy modest mousy

funny Good-humored sarcastic

old time-tested out-of-date

reserved dignified stiff-necked

persistent persevering stubborn

new up-to-date newfangled

conservative thrifty miserly

proud self-confident conceited

curious inquisitive nosy

 Loaded Words Practice

Directions: Imagine you are writing a letter to someone in which you feel your words will save their life. Change the following
words/phrases to have the most persuasive effect on your reader by using the most extreme/loaded words.

Example: Little Person= Midget, Miniscule, and Inferior

These words may refer to a little person, and the connotations of the words provide an extremely negative image of the person.

1. Dislike =
2. Like =
3. Unhappy =
4. Happy =
5. Smart =
6. Not Smart =
7. Underweight =
8. Overweight =
9. Attractive =
10. Unattractive=

Directions: For the following words that have no positive or negative connotation, write two words/phrases to replace the original
word. One word/phrase should have a positive connotation. The other word/phrase should have a negative connotation.

Example: Child
Positive Connotation: Angel
Negative Connotation: Brat

1. Mother
2. Pencil
3. Book
4. Movie
5. Dog
 Connotation Practice
Each of the following sentences includes a pair of words with similar dictionary definitions but different
connotations. One of the words is more appropriate based on the context of the sentence. Write the word in the
“Appropriate Word Choice” box.

Why did you select that

Appropriate
Sentence Examples word? (What does each
Word Choice
word connote?)

___________ implies
As snakes continue to grow, they (junk, shed) the _____________________,
protective keratinous layer on the surface of their while ________________
bodies because it does not expand. connotes
_____________________.

Oblivious to those around him, the father tenderly

(smiled, smirked) at his newborn baby through the
window of the hospital nursery.

During rush hour traffic in a metropolis, cars creep

along at agonizingly slow (velocities, speeds).

Even the coolest star in the night skies is unbelievably

(sultry, hot) according to astronomers.

The local newspaper's front-page story indicated that

$50,000 was (stolen, taken) from the town's largest
bank during the night.

The pack of wild horses (loped, sprinted) alongside

the train at top speed for more than 200 yards.

Although many Americans purchase meat at their

local grocery stores, some farmers still (butcher,
execute) livestock to feed their families.

The French are (noted, notorious) for their fine food.

 CONNOTATION PRACTICE-TEACHER KEY

Each of the following sentences includes a pair of words with similar dictionary definitions but different
connotations. One of the words is more appropriate based on the context of the sentence. That word appears in
the right-hand column.

Appropriate Why did you select that

Sentence Examples Word word?
Choice

As snakes continue to grow, they (junk, shed) the Junk implies skin is trash,
protective keratinous layer on the surface of their shed while shed connotes the
bodies because it does not expand. necessity of the situation

Oblivious to those around him, the father tenderly Smirked implies sarcasm
(smiled, smirked) at his newborn baby through the smiled or mocking while smiled
window of the hospital nursery. connotes happiness.

Velocities implies fact-

During rush hour traffic in a metropolis, cars creep
speeds paced, while speeds could
along at agonizingly slow (velocities, speeds).
measure any mph.

Sultry implies sexiness,

Even the coolest star in the night skies is
hot while hot connotes
unbelievably (sultry, hot) according to astronomers.
temperature.

The local newspaper's front-page story indicated Taken implies possible

that $50,000 was (stolen, taken) from the town's stolen good intentions while
largest bank during the night. stolen connotes thievery.

Loped implies slow and

The pack of wild horses (loped, sprinted) alongside
sprinted steady while sprinted
the train at top speed for more than 200 yards.
connotes “top speed”

Execute implies evil

Although many Americans purchase meat at their
intent while butcher
local grocery stores, some farmers still (butcher, butcher
connotes the necessity of
execute) livestock to feed their families.
the kill (for food)

Noted implies somewhat

The French are (noted, notorious) for their fine known, while notorious
notorious
food. indicates widespread
fame.
Name_____________________________________________Date________________Period_________

Loaded Language Hunt (R1.2: Connotative Power of Words)

1) Denotation: the literal dictionary definition of a word. Denotations are characterized by a neutral, objective
tone. For example, thin and skinny have similar denotations. They each describe a quality of depth or size.

2) Connotation: the meaning, association, or emotion that has come to be attached to a word. A connotation
can be positive or negative, depending on its context and each reader’s past experience. For example, many
people would say thin has a positive connotation, but skinny has a negative one. Also, thin is often
associated with beauty and attraction.

3) Loaded Words: words with strong emotional connotations.

Connotation of Key Effect on Audience
Word or Phrase from Denotation of Key
Words (positive, (makes the reader
Advertisement Words
negative, or neutral) feel_____.)
“Lose the slouchy  slouchy: awkward  slouchy: negative Makes the reader feel
sweats… throw on a and drooping  sassy: positive lazy when they wear
sassy skirt.” (from an  sassy: lively and sweats and stylish and
ad for Venus) spirited chic when they wear a
skirt.
Name_____________________________________________Date_________Period____

WARM-UP (R1.2: Connotations)

Directions: Read the advertisement below and answer the questions that follow.
 One of them is that happy moment at the soda fountain…with a tinkling
glass of ice-cold Coca-Cola.

1. The writer of this advertisement probably used the word ice-cold rather than freezing because ice-
cold has

A the opposite meaning.

B a more negative connotation.
C a more positive connotation.
D the same denotation.

“Delicious and refreshing.”

2. Which of the following could best replace refreshing in the sentence? (HINT: Choose a synonym
with the same connotation.)

A clean
B sparkling
C energizing
D satisfying

Pure refreshment… familiar to everyone.

3. All of the following have the same connotation as familiar except —

A well-known
B common
C popular
D memorable

4. What tone does the author use to persuade?

A nostalgic
B happy
C soothing
D reasonable
 ANSWER KEY

One of them is that happy moment at the soda fountain…with a tinkling

glass of ice-cold Coca-Cola.

1. The writer of this advertisement probably used the word ice-cold rather than freezing because ice-
cold has

A the opposite meaning.

B a more negative connotation.
C a more positive connotation.
D the same denotation.

“Delicious and refreshing”…Coca-Cola has the taste all ages like.

2. Which of the following could best replace refreshing in the sentence? (HINT: Choose a synonym
with the same connotation.)

A clean
B sparkling
C energizing
D satisfying

Pure refreshment… familiar to everyone.

3. All of the following have the same connotation as familiar except —

A well-known
B common
C popular
D memorable

4. What tone does the author use to persuade?

A nostalgic
B happy
C soothing
D reasonable
Name_____________________________________________Date_________Period____

WARM-UP (R1.2: Connotations; LS1.13)

Directions: Read the advertisement below and answer the questions that follow.
 Now, on behalf of 14 million children orphaned by AIDS, we call upon you
to fund AIDS appropriations at $3 billion for 2004 and dedicate 10% for the
care of AIDS orphans and vulnerable children.

1. If the writer of this advertisement wanted to use a stronger phrase than call upon, she might use
the word

A urge
B ask
C request
D invite

2. All of the following have the same connotation as vulnerable except —

A defenseless
B at risk
C challenging
D helpless

The need is urgent. Together, we have the capacity to make a difference.

3. If the writer of this advertisement wanted to use a stronger word than capacity, she might use the
word

A potential
B competence
C ability
D power

4. The language and pictures of this advertisement appeal to the audience primarily on a(n) _____
level.

A logical
B ethical
C emotional
D reasonable
 ANSWER KEY

Now, on behalf of 14 million children orphaned by AIDS, we call upon you

to fund AIDS appropriations at $3 billion for 2004 and dedicate 10% for the
care of AIDS orphans and vulnerable children.

1. If the writer of this advertisement wanted to use a stronger phrase than call upon, she might use
the word

A urge
B ask
C request
D invite

2. All of the following have the same connotation as vulnerable except —

A defenseless
B at risk
C challenging
D helpless

The need is urgent. Together, we have the capacity to make a difference.

3. If the writer of this advertisement wanted to use a stronger word than capacity, she might use the
word

A capability
B competence
C ability
D power

4. The language and pictures of this advertisement appeal to the audience primarily on a(n) _____
level.

A logical
B ethical
C emotional
D reasonable