This week we are continuing to read Chapter 2 and making connections between the text and our every day lives.
Two key definitions that Mayfield introduces us to are "Denotation and Connotation."
Denotation refers to the literal meaning of the word and connotation refers to the suggestion of a word. It's easy to understand denotation as you are understanding the word based on it's standard definition--one that has be accepted as a societal truth (it's in the dictionary).
The connotation of a word is a little more challenging because it's subjective. By that I mean, it's based on the emotional response or association one makes to a word. For example, a sexual innuendo is usually a suggestion with sexual or physical implications, but it's based on how well the receiver of the message understands the meaning. Think about it, if you don't understand the meaning of a word, can you really understand what's being asked of you?
In your text, on pages 56, Mayfield provides an example using the word snake examining it's negative connotations.
What kinds of words can you think of where the denotation and connotation are very different? In this post provide examples of all the words that you can think of. If you can't think of any on your own. Do a little research. What does the Internet suggest? Try dictionary.com or "Google" it.
What types of words can you think of where connotation and denotation are interchanged?
80 comments:
Hello Class:
Connotations are tricky. You think you are saying one thing and some one receives it in a totally different way. It's easier to explain a connotation when you are talking face to face with some one but how about when you are writing? Take for example, text messages. How do you explain a word that you mean one way and it's received another? The word "funny" is one such word.
I received a horrible joke from someone the other day. And sarcastically I replied, "funny." But the recipient thought I meant: Funny! Ha! Ha! I didn't. Consequently, he sent more jokes that were in equally poor taste because he thought I enjoyed them. I finally had to call the person and ask him to stop sending the jokes because I found them offensive and tasteless. He was shocked and explained that he did not mean to offend me but he thought I was enjoying them because I text back "Funny."
I immediately recognized the confusion as a breakdown in interpretation. He thought I meant one thing when I actually meant something else.
How does one overcome confusion when writing?
Ms. Wanzo
Ms. Wanzo,
Your example is really funny. In a laughing matter. I have had an experience just like this. Connotations are extremly tricky, i find it hard trying to find one in my everyday life. I need help. Do you have any suggestions?
Connotation is what a word suggests beyond it's basic meaning.It involves doing some research to get what the other person meant to mean.Sometimes you might clash with your peer's meaning or view.I also agree that connotation may be emotion of feeling associated with a word.It can be posive or negative.
Examples:
One sunday we went to church with my daughter and the pastor was preaching and qouted that, "Jesus is the rock of our church".My daughter got the meaning as Jesus is the pure rock while it meant the foundation.
When one use the word "obese",each person will have different views,some will mean huge, other unhealthy and there are those that will think of not good.
Another word is "plump" which some people will use it to mean cute while other will use it to mean chubby.
I get what a Connotation is now. It means that the word can just mean many different thing to people. The way you use it may suggest a certain way people may take it. Its easier to explain what you mean when you use a particular word than a person guessing to understand what you mean. Many peoples dialouge is different in clicks, geographics,races. words are a form of expression and thats just how people use them:
For example, in my generation some guys refer to woman as being " bad". Now many people may Think bad as in not being good or different. The context in which they use the term means the woman is attractive, looks good, sexy, fly. Like they have the whole package.
Another connotation is the word "thick" which some may take as being larger than another or big even fat. In an African American community Thick means a woman is full figured and attractive. With breast, booty,hips all in all curves. Many men prefer there woman like this.
When using a connotation it can become fun after a while. It's amazing to see how others interpret a words meaning to themselves.
Hello Ms Wanzo,
I think how we can overcome confusion when writing, is only by learning the spellings and meaning of words in different grammatical contexts and also application of each.
The following words are divided into categories based on their connotations, which are very different from their denotations:
1) Sexual innuendos: intercourse, crack, hot, and anal.
2) Racial: discriminating, cracker, integration, and segregation.
3) Religion: evolution and creation.
4) Miscellaneous: chicken, chill, ego, trunk, and fool.
Mathematical terms such as addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication are words, in which, connotation and denotation could be interchanged. Also, directional words such as: left, right, up, and down offer limited chances for ambiguous interpretations.
Racquel to Alisha:
I agree with your assertion that it is "easier to explain what you mean when you use a particular word." Ambiguous word choices can be a real challenge for your readers. I can thank my English 1A professor and my husband for their advice on word choices.
The words that come to mind where denotation and connotation are very different are:
Sick which means illness, but I have heard this word when someone is intriguiged with something saying, “That song is sick!” or when someone thinks that something is disgusting they say, “Your sick for saying offensive language.”
Babe means a baby; an infant. People use babe to refer to their mates or refer to a good looking person.
Here are some words I researched on the internet:
1. Childish and childlike implies that someone is immature, but youthful infers that someone is lively and energetic.
2. Crippled, handicapped, and retarded are no longer used and are considered offensive.
3. Lackadaisical means that someone is not interested and is lacking life.
4. Skinny implies that someone is too thin.
5. Cheap, frugal, and miserly infers that someone is not generous and is very stingy with their money.
6. Immature and juvenile suggest that someone is childish.
7. Inquisitive can mean that someone asks too many questions.
8. Proud and egotistical mean that someone thinks very highly of themselves.
9. Although "knockout" can be taken as a compliment, it can also be considered sexist when referring to a woman.
10. Talkative and chatty can mean that someone talks too much; and nosy that someone asks too many questions.
Hi Alisha,
I am very familiar with the two examples you gave. My friend uses the word "bad" with the club she created for women. "The Bad Girls Club," which in her point of view means "good" or "exceptional." I have also heard "thick" many times referred to exactly how you described in the African American Community. However, I think its used in many other cultures as well.
The word I thought of where connotation and denotation interchanged is with the word sick. Sick means being affected by an illness, to be sick with worry or being tired of something of having had too much of it. Sick can mean feeling a deep or passionate longing for something or somebody. Sick can also mean something offensive when it is used to refer upon a person with a mental disorder. Sick in slang terms can also mean good, great , excellent , awesome or possessing exceptional talent. possessing exceptional talent. Example: Lady Gaga is a sick performer.
One overcomes confusion when writing when the proper usage of words are expressed. A writer cannot always assume that a reader will grasp what the writer is trying to say when using a denotation word. If the writer explains in enough detail the reader might be able to understand. The words we use when writing or speaking can vary depending on the audience we may be addressing.
To Alisha
I agree that connotations can be tricky. I had a hard time to trying to think of some words on my own. I also tried to think about words that I may use myself but I couldn’t think of any. I then started to think about old slang words.
Connotations can appear to be very tricky at times. Mistaking the word that person is using for something else. One day I overheard someone call their child little bastard. I know deep inside he didn't mean that, because it was their kid. What do you feel about this example. I mean when I hear something like little rascal it usually means that person doesn't like that person. I don't know if this is a great example or not.
Connotations can appear to be very tricky at times. Mistaking the word that person is using for something else. One day I overheard someone call their child little bastard. I know deep inside he didn't mean that, because it was their kid. What do you feel about this example. I mean when I hear something like little rascal it usually means that person doesn't like that person. I don't know if this is a great example or not.
when i think of denotation and connotation i think of people viewing different words in a different way then the dictionary defines it. society as a whole might view a word or saying in a different way then you see it. denotation and connotation makes a connection with slang in a way.
an example of what me and my group of friends use is the term "wet". its defined as not dry or firm, but my friends and i use it as being fly, nice, eye catching, and or nice.
another example that my friends and i use is calling your significant other/girlfriend or spouse honey. honey is defined as a sweet yellowish or brownish viscid fluid produced by various bees from the nectar of flowers and used as food, but males call females honeys as another word replacing women.
Looking over this blog makes me realize that i use denotation and connotation more then i would ever think i did.
TO Anna,Jen,Racquel:
Anna: I agree with you about being used in many cultures. Im not saying its not im just stating my knowledge about it being African-American. Also your friend uses the word in an inspiring way.
Racquel: you had a great professor. Its extreamly tricky for me. I wish some of our peers could help us instead of trying to criticize one another.
Jen: Slang words seems to be a good source for an connotation.
I can think of a couple of connotations from experience. I think words that have many connotations are different kinds of animals. One of them is the word "pig". We all know that a pig is an animal, but sometimes we direct it towards someone that we think is dirty, filthy, or when they eat really messy. Another example is when me and my friends use the word "beast" when we're playing football or basketball. The denotation is that a beast is "any nonhuman animal". We like to call someone a beast when they make a really good play such as a difficult shot in basketball or a tough catch in football. We can also use the snake example in the book. I think we use connotations a lot and most of the time we're not even aware of it.
This assignment was very interesting. I would first like to address the question "How does one overcome confusion when writing?". I think the assumption with words and their meanings gets really twisted in writing because for the most part words on paper without the face to face communication can leave a mind to wonder. I don't think the confusion in writing will completely deminish but know the definitions of connotation and dennotation can help a writer think twice about a word before using it. Doing research on words like "bossy or domineering" can lead you to a less offensive word like "assertive". That way the reader won't have to question the intention of the statement if it truly is not meant to harm. It often takes me a while to complete a text, depending on the recipient. I want to choose my words very carefully and I keep in mind that they can't hear my emotions behind those words, so it's like there empty until they reach the destination and then it's up to the receiver to put meaning in place of my unheard intention. Did that sound crazy,lol? A friend ask me "why did you say it like that" through text and I asked "how do you know how I'm 'saying' it if you can't hear me" so I immediately thought about this blog.
Words:
Slender: skinny, toothpick, thin,anorexic
Inappropriate: rude, insulting, disrespectful
Economical: penny pincher, cheap,
thrifty, stingy
Conservative: shrewd, prune, party pooper
~Chanda~
Connotation is a idea which a word makes one think of in addition to the main meaning.
A word’s denotation is whatever the word directly refers to, roughly equivalent to its lexical definition.
Moreover; for the word “atheist” denotes a person who disbelieves in or denies the existence of gods. but its connotation refers to any subtle nuances that might or might not be intended by its use.and one possible connotation for the word “atheist” might be someone who is immoral and wicked, depending upon who is doing the speaking or listening.
When I first heard denotation and connotation, the first word came to my mind was oriental. In class, Ms.Wanzo talked about how some people doesn't consider oriental offensive and still uses it. Denotation of the word would be eastern, characteristics of orient etc. When you see the denotation of the word it's just a descriptive word but, when you use in a certain contexts, it's considered offensive and Eurocentric.
Another word that has similar effect is gay. As we all know denotation of the word would be homosexual. But lot of people utter homophobic slurs such as "that's so gay" and "you're so gay" to indicate something that's feminine or negative without even thinking. Seems like some people think even though racial slurs are offensive, it's okay to use homophobic ones.
We use connotations everyday without even thinking about it. An example of would be the word "kill." The denotation for the word "kill" is to end the life of and therefore usually sends a negative denotation. However, many people nowadays use the word "killed" as a positive word meaning that someone did really good. An example would be if someone said "We killed them." Instead of meaning that we assassinated people, it could mean that we beat them in a game or in a competition, which is a good thing.
Since connotations are subjective, it is sometimes hard to interpret what someone really means, especially when the person expressing themself uses written words rather than spoken word. I think that to better understand the connotations of writer from the writer's point of view, we have to read everything that the author has to say before automatically assuming what they think. We can try to use what they wrote in other parts of their writing to understand what the connotation of the word meant to the writer by allinging their meanings and sides together.
Connotations can have two different meanings that symbolizes an idea. The way I may interpert a word would abe different from someone else do to different backgrounds and cultures.
For example young individuals or my peers like to refer money as cheese,chedda,and paypa. Cheese can mean the cheese we eat and paypa can mean newspaper or lined paper. these words are mostly used in the streets.
Another word that my peers use today would be wasted which means to spill or eat food and don't finish it all and waste it. When my peers go out to parties and clubs usually you will hear "Im about to get wasted tonight" meaning getting drunk or being off the alcohol.
Solongo to Jen Christopher:
I also thought of word sick because lot of my friends use it as a slang like you said. And I have had some confusion when I was text messaging because of the way me and my friend used the word. I meant that someone was sick as in being ill but my friend thought that I was talking about how awesome that person is. Sometimes it gets tricky, especially when text messaging.
I find connotations as a "play on words" where you have the security of denotations words there meaning used in its proper English context. then you have some eccentric way to express the way you feel to create art and that is where i see the most effective use of connotations. i read a lot of fiction novels and when the sex scenes are approaching in the essence of keeping it clean they adapt a lot of connotations. i find that when an author introduces another way to interpret a word is extremely catchy. i often overhear my younger siblings using connotations. for example my younger sister came home and began calling my daughter a "jerk" which to her it meant your silly. its true that connotations can indeed be tricky but often times fun to use if you engage your readers with an interesting way of showing there meaning to the term used.
to Chanda:
I agree with you totally when you said that without the face to face communication it does indeed leave the mind to wonder and i often get into it with alot of folks thru text messages primarly because of the way i connotate words and always have a person clueless!!
To my understanding, I think that denotation is alot easier to understand than connotation. Like Ms. Wanzo said, connotations are "subjective" and tricky in that we choose to understand a particular word based on our own "emotional response" and the types of association we make with the word. In writing, it is sometimes difficult for readers to understand the writer's intentions so as readers we have to make an inference as to what the writer is suggesting to us.
Some examples of denotation and connotation can be seen in the following words:
- Gay: The dictionary definition to "gay" is happily excited or bright and lively. However, the word gay can be seen as offensive to some people, especially homosexuals.
- Cool: Teenagers today uses the word "cool" as part of their everyday vocabulary to say that something is fashionable whereas the true meaning of "cool" is defined as not warm or cold(weather).
- Crazy: Some people may see the word "crazy" as refering to someone who is mentally ill or insane but, others use crazy as a slang to state that someone or something is overly excited or cool as in the fashionable way.
@Ms.Wanzo;
just wanted to say that your example was an excellent way to examine the use of connotations i often find that happening to myself and it was indeed "funny" (denotation)but in the end i think to appeal to a persons imagination and curiosity connotations are an excellent resource to use.
to Jen Christopher;
sometimes that word alone with its numerous connotations makes me "sick" other than the definitions you provided one that coincides is "ill" an example of this one being used is "Man this shirt is ill" when i see that i think the shirt is sick! haha this goes to show how many ways this can be used, and some good and some outlandish ways either way it shows the words flexibility.
To my understanding, the word connotation has a subjective approach. For denotation it is much easier to understand, and are not tricky as connotations.
Some examples of connotation and denotation:
Bomb: the definition of "bomb" is any similar missile or explosive device used as a weapon. But some folks use the word “bomb” as a slang meaning that something is excellent/great.
Sweet: many people use the word "sweet" to say how awesome something is. However, the definition of the word is having the taste or flavor characteristic of sugar, honey, etc.
Therefore, the usage of connotation and denotation can sometimes be confusing from the way an individual may interpret the word. It is surprisingly to see how individuals view a certain word differently.
Denotation is the literal meaning or the dictionary definition of a specific word. However, connotation is a different story. Even though everyone might not know what the word connotation means, everybody uses connotative words in their everyday life. Connotation can be described as the associated or secondary meaning of a word. Here are some examples.
The literal meaning of the word "black" is a dark color that lacks brightness. However, the connotation of the word black has negative implications that includes death, evil, or mystery. The word "home" usually means the shelter that an individual resides in. When we think of it connotation we think of love, warmth, care, or family which has more of a positive tone. Another example is the word "lion" which as we all know is an animal. The connotation of a lion suggests bravery, power, or courage.
People of all ages uses connotative words even though they might not be aware of. Sometimes the best way to look at connotative words is just think about what kind of emotions or thought associate with that word.
I think connotation and denotation are interchanged in regards to slang or shifts in speaking styles.
I could say something is Bad-a** and really be paying that something a huge compliment. However bad is the opposite of good and including a slang description of a persons rear end seems strange but it works and I have used it myself.
Another one is where I am telling this great story with one incredible detail after another. Halfway through my story my friend tells me to "shut up." She doesn't want me to really stop talking, she is expressing shock and awe.
Ten years ago I used to chat on MSN. That really taught me a lot about perception and comprehension. When you are using words to communicate with others it is important to be clear. There is no non-verbal communication to accompany your text. In person I could say something that sounds mean to you and wink, that clues you into the fact that I am joking. Say the same thing in chat, email, or text and you may be offending.
Until I read your post I think I was missing the point, thank you for the great explanation. Your right about the lion and a word evoking a emotional response.
"The connotation of a lion suggests bravery, power, or courage." San Ming
Sup Johnny,
When i read your post i was thinking how right you are about a lot of animals are linked with connotations. Your post led me to think that connotation is in the stuff that is around us everyday. This led me to think of the connotative words that i used for my post. So thank you. I also have some personal experience with the word "beast". I find that a lot of my friends like you use the word beast when someone just a make an incredible play in basketball or when someone just dominated like a game.
In my opinions, Connotations are the things that you cannot see it, you cannot touch but you can feel it. Also, sometime connotations can bring different meaning in the same situations. In fact, I think connotations are the deep meanings of words. Like when we talk something or some words, we use the different words but it stands the different meaning. For example, as we from China, we need to fact the poor vocabulary. Like we say something or someone is ugly. Because we just know the ugly to write something is not beauty enough. When we say the word “ugly”, it would cause other feel said because it words contains a further meaning. Like the heart were black and he/she dosing not the good thing. However, if we just say he/she was not beauty enough, we could change another way to say that like he/she was not as beauty as she can to show that he/she was not beauty instead of ugly.
Shukun Li
What I believe connotations are is a word that has 2 separate meanings. One is literal and in the dictionary and then it also has a hidden or secret meaning. It either has a negative or a positive connotation.
Examples
Youth's these days often refer to something as being wet. They don't mean it's covered in water or liquid. What they mean by it is it's exquisite or awesome. Another example i can think of is the word based. Based is a word referring to a drug user or base-head and it has a very negative connotation. Lately though it has taken on a new meaning of being enlightened or free spiritually. The third example i can think of is the word gay, it is originally used to describe someones sexual orientation , but often times its used in a negative way to describe something that's not good. Some more I can think of would be sick, cheap, snake.
After reading Ms. Wanzo’s explanation of Denotation and Connotation and “The connotations of words”, I have understood the meaning and the difference between those two words. Denotation is easier than connotation to define. Denotation can be directly refereed at the dictionary or internet exactly what words mean. On the other, connotation has different meaning from the dictionary or internet. It could be the opposite of the meaning in dictionary, or something different from the origin meaning. It depends on the context what we are talking about. Like the word “Funny” Ms. Wanzo described above, it didn’t really mean funny and interesting. It meant the opposite of funny. It meant that the joke was boring and weak. Keep in mind, connotation can go both ways, it can be positive and negative. I think the big difference of denotation and connotation is denotation is the straight definition and connotation is the feeling or sense that it gives us. For example, the word “breezy”, in denotation it means wind. But in connotation, it come to me is cool, light, summer. Another example I found on internet is “A cat has nine lives”; in connotation, this proverb means - no one can die easily. But, in denotation, the same sentence explicitly means, a cat, an animal, has (one, two, three ...) nine lives - which is unrealistic.
Hi Anna Davies,
I also had experience about “sick”. Once, I played game online with my friend in midnight. I asked him to go to bed since we all had to work tomorrow, but he said he would not go to bed until he accomplished his game, he sick with the game. I knew sick means illness, so I thought he was real sick. Then I asked him to see doctor and stop playing the game. He laughed at me and explained that he indulged on the game, not the real sick.
One word that can be connotation differently would be soft. It can be used to describe someone who is afraid to take contact from a sport or a male that talks enjoys talking about feelings. The denotation of the word is something that's cushioned or squishy. The word is connotated negatively because its a way to challenge one's masculinity. Males are afraid to connect with their feminine side so when one acts differently from those norms, they are automatically referenced to as girly. While the word hard is connotated as being tough. They are opposite of one another and there connotation meaning does reflect on the actual definition of the word.
I think your opinion states that connotation is not the exact meaning, but express another meanings in different ways. I also agree with the word Ugly. Because Ugly can be described someone is not beauty, but it also can be used to describe that I can not understand your hand writing because it is too ugly, therefore, in such a way, the ugle means your hand writing is too bad.
Hello San Ming,
I like how you explain the word connotation. You said “Sometimes the best way to look at connotative words is just think about what kind of emotions or thought associate with that word”. If we allow ourselves to connect our emotions with the word, we would have a better understanding of the word. In addition, you gave some good examples of connotation and denotation, which are “dark”, “home”, and “lion”. These words that you chose gave me a better understanding of the word connotation and how it relates to our emotions.
Denotation is the literal meaning of the words that can be directly looked up in a dictionary. Compared to denotation, connotation is much more complex as it is created when you mean something else, and something that might be initially hidden behind the literal meaning of the word. Connotation refers to the writers’ emotion, cultural or relational background, and its meaning probably cannot be found in a dictionary. Most of times poets use connotation to further develop or complicate a poem's meaning. For example, the word “greasy” is the meaning of something, like car engines, is coated or soiled with grease or oil. However, most people today associate it with the negative meaning that refers to food or people.
Pei Liang
Hi Rui Mai,
Reading your post awakes my memory about learning Chinese idioms and sayings. Most of Chinese idioms and sayings are connotation. We seldom can get what the exact meaning of them. However, after learning about the stories or legends in which the idioms and sayings come from, the connotations of them become much more sensitive to us. For example, the Chinese idiom, “The foolish old man removed mountains.”, means that where there is a will, where there is a way.
Pei Liang
From my understanding, denotation refers to the definition that could be found in a dictionary, whereas connotation is more complicated, it refers to a word that associate with a positive or negative meaning behind its initial meaning. For instance, the word “snake”, snake itself refers to a reptile inhabits the tropical forest or in wild areas; however, it would have a negative meaning when using to describe a person as treacherous.
Denontation of bad- not good,naughty, faulty
Connotation of bad- attractive, appealing,good
Denotation of wasted- ruin, spend or use carelessly, lose substance or energy
Connotation of wasted- drunk
Denotations define words and connotations refers to an agreed meaning of a word, although it may not be dictionary correct, in a certain context, amongst a single individual or group of people.
Denotation refers to the consciousness of how the society uniformly defines and considers about particular subjects. Connotation, in comparison, is relatively subjective because they might contain personal reflections that are emotional. Therefore, more critical ruminations become required for individuals to understand the author’s ultimate intentions under connotative style of writing. Beside emotional impacts, connotative contents are variously comprehended also depending on individuals’ respective past experiences, academic status, and life surroundings, among others.
An instance for connotative word can be precisely referred to a short essay I had read nearly – Wants – written by Grace Paley. The value of “wants” had been thoroughly investigated and discussed – one character became addicted in actual materials; the other one focused more on the self-improvements. Similar situations also exist in our current lives, since all individuals have desires. As for the personal definition of “want,” some may refer it to the pursuance of financial affordability or economic capability; some may describe it as to please people around them; some may define it as a continuous approach of self-improvement; et cetera. As a more specific example, such as what Ms. Wanzo had mentioned in the class, the “wants” of the citizens of Haiti might be to just survive. Overall, such obvious deviance between individual’s various attempts of defining “wants,” precisely verifies the fact that connotation is indeed emotional, so it will be understood variously on an individual scale.
I truly admire your explanation about the difference between denotation and connotation. Denotation is indeed easier to be defined since it does not involve in any emotional responses or intentions that are hidden beyond the texts. I understand that connotative words may be either positive or negative depending on what situation we are using them for. My way to analyze the intended meanings of connotative words is to insert the words back to the related contents and the overall context, thus the inappropriate meanings may be gradually filtered out.
Actually,when someone says little rascal it usually means the person is implying that someone is being mischievous but you seeing the meaning as the person not being liked, can be a connotation because of what it means to you.
As far as the little bastard comment the parent made, if it was a women, the child may have been a bastard and if not the mother or father had their own definition for bastard,which would be a connotation. Either way though I'm sure the parent loves the child.
To Anna Davies:
I think that your example of the word "sick" is a good connotation. I have heard so many people around me, especially my brothers, use the word sick to say that something is cool or awesome. I also experienced and heard people use the word sick to say that someone has a mind that is not pure, that is that they're disgusted by what the other people said just as you mentioned.
The denotation of a word is the definition in dictionary. In contrast, connotation depends on how individual responses to the word. For example, the word "sweet" usually means the taste of sugar. However, when we say "That's sweet," we actually mean "That's cool." In this case, the "taste of sugar" is the denotation; and, "cool" is the connotation. Also, "cool" provides us another example. In dictionary, it means "moderately cold, neither warm nor cold." Nowadays, "cool" often refers to something great, awesome.
In reading and writing, the misunderstanding of connotation may lead us to a wrong direction. Therefore, overcoming this kind of confusion is very important, especially in critical thinking. I think, a good way to achieve it is to take more attention on the context. Do you guys have another advises?
Hello San Ming. You gave us good examples. They gave me a lot help in understanding the connotation. Also, the “lion” one enlightens me. “Rat” also has different denotation and connotation. The literal meaning of it is a kind of rodent. The connotation of the word has negative implications, such as nasty or bad guys.
connotation is word which has multiple meaning to people in different situation and easy to be misunderstood.And denotation means a word has a direct meaning whick people can understand with the right meanging.These two words are very different when ues these two types of word, because it can be using in extemeness.For example: Snake is a connotation. It can be noun or adjective when we using it.when it use as a noun it means an animal.And what we think of snake is an coldblooded and evil animal.And the other meaing of snake is similar to this .The other meaning of snake is evil and dangerous.Therefore i think the meaning of a connotation word should be related.
To Sin Yee
I understand what you trying to say about the connotation and denotation. connotation is a word with a complicated and multiple meaning.And denoation is a word refers to its meaning direcly. And we both use the "Snake" as example..
As Mayfield says in the book, denotation comes from the definition of the word. We can look it up in dictionary and get the meaning of the word. But while we use it, we often follow its connotation which means suggestion of the word.
If I don't understand the meaning of a word, I don’t think that I can really understand what's being asked of me. Because spoken language is mixed with words. Each word has its own meaning but when you put them together to make a sentence, it always changes its definition and create a new meaning. For example, “a piece of cake”, using denotation, it means a slice of cake but if you follow connotation, it means quite easy.
Colors are good examples for denotation and connotation. Red, for instance, represents passion and danger. The red of fire engines mean danger while the red of sport cars mean passion. Because red is very familiar to everyone we never confuse the two meanings of red in daily life.
Besides single word, some connotations of sentences would be understood by the readers who have relative experiences. I read an article from my school newspaper in China 3 years ago. The first sentence of that article was “since the president of our university established a supervisory group to administer expense audit, we had stopped some unnecessary waste from our school payout.” Because Chinese official medium never report anything against the governor, this sentence, which commended the president’s work, actually gave me many information beyond its denotation. From this sentence, I could tell that the waste in the campus had made the president very angry; otherwise, he didn’t need to establish the supervisory group. And I was sure the president didn’t satisfy with the group’s work; that was why the newspaper used the word “some” instead of using “many”.
As I read this post, a couple of words came to mind, words that I myself have a hard time figuring out the denotation and connotation.
For example, the word 'cool'. Cool in the dictionary means: "moderately cold; neither warm nor cold" and is defined as an adjective. I use it as a noun and an adjective. When I say, "That is cool" or "It's alright, we are cool", I am most definitely not talking weather wise.
Another word, albeit old school, is tight. The dictionary's definition for tight is: "firmly or closely fixed in place; not easily moved; secure". I use it to explain something that is amazing, out of this world, or nice. Once again, denotation and connotation are being subjected to differences.
One last example is the word bad. Bad is defined in the dictionary as: "not good in any manner or degree". In this situation, someone could say: "That's a bad a#$ song" but they aren't saying it in the context that its not good. On the contrary, they are saying that it's extremely good.
I think intention is the biggest thing to look at when dealing with connotation and denotation. You may say a word that means good, but your intention is saying that word was sarcastically bad.
As I read this post, a couple of words came to mind, words that I myself have a hard time figuring out the denotation and connotation.
For example, the word 'cool'. Cool in the dictionary means: "moderately cold; neither warm nor cold" and is defined as an adjective. I use it as a noun and an adjective. When I say, "That is cool" or "It's alright, we are cool", I am most definitely not talking weather wise.
Another word, albeit old school, is tight. The dictionary's definition for tight is: "firmly or closely fixed in place; not easily moved; secure". I use it to explain something that is amazing, out of this world, or nice. Once again, denotation and connotation are being subjected to differences.
One last example is the word bad. Bad is defined in the dictionary as: "not good in any manner or degree". In this situation, someone could say: "That's a bad a#$ song" but they aren't saying it in the context that its not good. On the contrary, they are saying that it's extremely good.
I think intention is the biggest thing to look at when dealing with connotation and denotation. You may say a word that means good, but your intention is saying that word was sarcastically bad.
You made a good point when you brought up the word obese. Beauty is especially subject to different variations of connotation and denotation. What one person finds beautiful, another can find repulsive.
You make a good point how colors can be interpreted differently. When I think of the color blue, it think about something that's calm and pleasant while the color red is something warm and aggressive. Colors can also have differently meanings within a culture, it's based on what we were taught during our childhood.
Denotation and connotation are the interesting subjects in the using the vocabulary. Denotation is the meaning of a word which may not be widely used but you can look it up in the dictionary. And connotation is more association with reactions, images, emotions, or thoughts. Word connotations are about feelings. The meaning of connotation may not be look up in the dictionary, but dictionaries help us understand the connotation by explaining the message that the word carries.
For example, the word "dope". Dope in the dictionary would mean something that relates to drugs. But in this case, slang language we use the word "dope" as cool. Some people would use in a conversation because it sounds cool.
To Qiwei,
I like your example to explain this subject by using the color. In our daily life, many connotation words are being used, but we sometimes are adjust to it and think that's a normal way of using the word. Connotation can give us additional message than the word itself carries. And it's relate to our life experience and background, otherwise, some words may not be easily understood by people.
Some words that come up when thinking about connotations and denotations are sick, fresh, and Chill. When saying the words to someone it may be easier to get someone to understand whether the word is being used in a positive or negative way. But I think it is also possible in writing.
If we were to write something like:
I heard you were sick in the hospital, then it would be clear that you are referring to being sick as an illness. Whereas if you said something like:
I liked your performance last night it was sick. Then 'sick' would mean cool/hip.
The problem is sometimes we don't take the time to set up our word, especially in text messages. In this case we just hope for the best.
To Qiwei
I didn't think of colors as being a connotation I think that you proved a good point. I am use to seeing the color red and untill now I didn't look at the color red as having two meanings to it.
Hello Werdah,
Thankyou for your explanation of connotation and denotation, at least you helped me understand more by your examples.Where you used "good" and may be somebody mean bad,the same as excellent, one might use it to mean opposite.While denotation mean the exact meaning of word. sometimes is very tricky to diffrenciate the two.
After reading the example which is provided by Mayfield in text, I understand that connotation is a meaning of word which has different meaning from the dictionary meaning, and it's also affected by people's emotion and culture. When I was doing the research about denotation and connotation on the Internet, I found many words have connotation. There are some examples:
The first one is "home". The denotation of "home" is where a person lives at any given time. However, "home" has a positive connotation which means cozy, loving and comfortable because home always gives us warm feeling.
Another example is "rain". The denotation of "rain" is water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere. Otherwise, "rain" has a negative meaning in connotation which means sad and bad mood.
The last one I give is "Hollywood" which means the NW part of Los Angeles, CA and center of the American motion-picture industry, but it also has a positive meaning which is romance, beauty and glittering success in connotation.
Hello Chhienda M.,
I agree with your point that denotation is much easier to understand than connotation because there are no prescriptive meaning of words in connotation. To me, I feel confused about understanding the connotation of words because different people might have different feeling of the words, and people who have different emotion and culture might get different meaning of the words.
A word that is both is connotative and denotative is "Blow". The precise definition of it is wind or air to be in motion, but used as a connation in sports such as football, basketball, baseball, or soccer. The term then would be said as a "blow out" meaning one of the teams defeated there opponents by a large amount of points. Another word that was used a while ago was "Bomb". Bombs direct meaning is an explosive, and will mainly be used by military or terrosist. The connotation of the term "bomb" would be referred of something or an event being enjoying. There is not many terms that will include both, denotative or connotative meaning, but this allows us to think more critically to find them out.
Connotation is sometimes quite difficult to catch the exact meaning of a word because it might mean different thing according to one’s perspective. I agree with you. If we do not know the definition of a word very well, and it associates with other meanings, then we could not understand the points that a person is trying to say.
Hey Johnny, I liked your choice for connotation. I know what you're talking about when you talked about the word "beast." I use that a lot too in sports and stuff whenever someone dominates.
Hello Alisha,
I'm a bit confused. You've heard of stories like the one I told but you can't identify one in your everyday life. Try, thinking about a situation where you shared something with someone only to have them walked away confused. They thought they understood what you were saying because it was based on their understanding but you actually meant something else. Have you ever had a situation like this?
Hello Jeane,
Your examples of connotations are great. "Jesus is the rock," is a great one. One I used to take literally is Peter's claim "upon this rock, I build my church." I don't know I took that literally but I always did.
Obese has a much more negative connotation where has plum is more positive. So there always tends to be a bit of sensitivity over the word choices.
Thanks for sharing.
Hello Alisha,
Your understanding of connotation is great. It reminds me of a funny story. When I was little I used to travel down south to visit with relatives. My great grandmother used to say "She's a fine baby," to me all of the time. I would just smile because in California "fine" means fine, good looking, etc. It was not until I returned as an adult, at her funeral, that I found out "fine" meant "fat."
Needless to say I was shocked but all I could do was laugh because she meant well. I mean Great Grandmother said it with love. It was so sweet, who would have ever thought it was an insult.
Oh well . . .
Connotations are tricky. Now whenever I want to call someone fat or even think about myself, I use the word "fine."
I'm glad you pushed ahead and found the answer. I'm sorry for the delay.
Ms. Wanzo
Hi Vernon,
Your example is interesting. I don't know if it's a good example or not. Why did you think it would be a good example of a connotation?
What were you thinking when you offered it?
Hi Anna!!
I must say that I was very excited by all the examples you gave. I know that there are so many more out there that we don't know, but this lesson and everyone's research has been very intriguing. Thank you for putting all that effort in providing us with very useful examples.
When you often misunderstand a word to another is called connotation. We used a vocabulary to express ourself. However, it could sometimes become a totally different meaning. Especially when you're writing, I remember one time I texted my friend to have a drink with me, she replied: I'm down. Therefore, I thought she must be upset at that time and didn't want to go out, after a while, she started calling me, so I asked her: i thought you're down, tell me what happen. And she started laughing at me, so told me "down" means "she is going", and I got all embarrassing. I totally agree that connotations are ticky!!!
Hi Jing Cai,
I really like your example, especially the word "rain", it meant the beautiful rain drop from the sky, however, it meant be the opposite "sad", "bad"..etc I suggest everyone to write another sentence to back up the vocabulary, or else, It causes a lot of misunderstand.
Denoatation and conotation are very different. With denotation, one can assume the audience understands the words meaning. But with conotation, you really have to consider your tone and your audience.
For example, when I use slang in front of my parents, they are more than likely not going to understand what I am saying. I could go to a concert and come home saying "That band was sick!" and they'd question whether the singer had had the flu. To me, it means something awesome or cool. To them, it means someone should stay in bed with some soup.
Other examples include "fuzz" (cops), "ice" (jewelry), and "cheese" (money).
-Julie Kvalen
to Alisha Ranae...
Connotations are pretty amazing. Particularly because it's just funny what kind of definitions put to certain words. It really is all about perspective!
-Julie Kvalen
To Alisharanaeduhh
The examples that you use of connotation and denotation are perfect for our generation. i didnt even know that we could use somewhat slang. thanks for the help in class also.
Hey Phillip, I agree with you when talking about soft and hard. When I'm playing basketball with my friends, we also use the word soft to describe someone who's afraid to take any contact. We know the denotation means something fluffy or smooth. Also, the denotation of hard means something solid and firm. The connotation can mean something is difficult, but I also agree with you when you say tough.
The relationship between words and meanings are a bit complex. From my understanding, denotation is the literal meaning of a word; the dictionary definition, which is easier to define and understand. On the contrast, connotations are often emotional in nature. The connotation of a word can have multiple meanings. It really depends on how one may interpret the word. Here are some examples that I can think of:
Chill: shivering with or affected by cold; chilly.
Connotation: to clam down, relax.
Stop being so angry, you need to chill out.
Clean: free from dirt; unsoiled; unstained.
Connotation: nice, awesome.
Those shoes at the mall were clean! I am going back to get a pair.
Dough: flour or meal combined with water, milk, etc.
Connotation: money
Do you have some dough I can borrow? I need to pay for my bills.
To Devonte:
I agree with you that connotations have a connection with slang words. The connotation of the words you mentioned: wet and honey. I interpret these words the same way you and your peers do. When I first heard my friend described a shirt at the mall as “wet”, I did not quite understood what he meant, but I had a clue its meaning had something to do with being nice.
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