THE FEELING OF A WORD

Connotation

Definition of Connotation

“con” = together “nota” = words “tion” = state or act• “The emotional feeling or cultural association a word evokes in addition to its dictionary definition.”

Negative to Positive

Example of words with negative connotation:

skinnychickpushy

cowardlynag

out of date

Example of words with positive connotation:

leanwoman

assertiveprudentremind

time tested

Can you change the connotation?

Bum vs. Homeless1) ________ vs. Inexpensive

2) Childish vs. ________3) Conceited vs. ________

Cowardly vs. PrudentCrippled vs. Disabled

4) ________ vs. ChallengingFired vs. Terminated

5) __________ vs. Elderly

POSITIVE ~ NEUTRAL ~ NEGATIVE SELF‐CONFIDENT PROUD ARROGANTDIGNIFIED RESERVED SNOBBY

MODEST SHY MOUSYVENERABLE ELDERLY OLD THRIFTY CONSERVATIVE MISERLYSLENDER THIN SKINNY

Some words have neurtral connotation

Authorial Intent

Authors use connotation to manipulate reader emotions or demonstrate a character's bias. Ex: In Of Mice and Men, Crooks is

described as a “nigger” and a “cripple” and Curley’s Wife is called a “tart.”

How can we tell if

it is the author or

character who

holds the bias?

Now you try!

Your teacher will give you a card with a word from Fahrenheit 451.

On the back, write the dictionary definition, the context from the book, and the connotation.

Then post your word to the class wall!

Now you try!

1. With your natural partner, define the words from “The Undercover Parent” and check how they are used in the article.

2. Decide if the connotation is positive, negative, or neutral. How does the author want us to feel about this thing?

3. Finally, rank the words 1-11, from the most positive (#1) to the most negative (#11). Be ready to share your answers with the class.