Denotation and connotation
- 1. Denotation and Connotation By: Ibrahim Muneer
- 2. DENOTATION AND CONNOTATION Words and images in media texts can work on more than one level. You will come across the terms denotation and connotation throughout your life. They are important terms for you to understand.
- 3. DENOTATION DENOTATION is the straight forward or common- sense meaning of a sign. Literally what is actually shown in an image. • The strict dictionary meaning of a word. A red rose is a flower – that is its straight forward meaning or denotation An apple is a fruit we eat- A lamb is a young sheep-
- 4. CONNOTATION CONNOTATION is the extra, linked meaning that goes with any sign. The connotations of a sign will be much more personal than the straight forward denotation because they are to do with personal ideas and feelings about it. The connotations will not be the same for everybody.
- 5. Denotation vs. Connotation • Denotation is the dictionary or literal meaning of a word. Connotative words imply emotions. Plump = a full, round. Fat = While similar in meaning to plump, it has a very harsh and mean tone.
- 6. Think about the rose… For romantics a red rose can be a symbol of love. In Lancashire it is a symbol for the county. It has even been a symbol for a political party. These are all connotations or extra layers of meaning that the image carries with it.
- 7. Think about the apple… It can be a symbol of health. It can have associated meanings of New York -“The Big Apple”. It can even have stand for sin. These are all connotations or extra layers of meaning that the image carries with it.
- 8. And the lamb… For some a lamb has linked or extra meanings to do with Wales.. For others it has religious meaning. It can even stand for a season- Spring . These are all connotations or extra layers of meaning that the image carries with it.
- 9. Word Choice You may live in a house, but we live in a home. The connotation in this sentence is that a “home” is much more than merely the structure of a house.
- 10. The connotation of a word is often either positive or negative Positive We bought inexpensive souvenirs at the amusement park. Negative We bought cheap souvenirs at the amusement park.
- 11. Which word has a positive connotation and which has a negative one? Everyone had a smirk on his/her face on the ride home. Everyone had a smile on his/her face on the way home.
- 13. Which word has a positive connotation? You Decide! average mediocre spit saliva childish childlike antique old-fashioned
- 14. Connotation • Opposite of Denotation • Implied Meaning • May be Favorable or unfavorable