{"id":4013,"date":"2013-06-27T16:54:15","date_gmt":"2013-06-27T16:54:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/?page_id=4013"},"modified":"2026-03-26T09:31:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T14:31:19","slug":"denotation-and-connotation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/denotation-and-connotation\/","title":{"rendered":"Denotation and Connotation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t\t<div id=\"mmDeferVideoEncompass_HReFUuWtJCk\" style=\"position: relative;\">\n\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\">\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> \n\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" id=\"videoThumbnailImage_HReFUuWtJCk\" data-source-videoID=\"HReFUuWtJCk\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" alt=\"Denotation and Connotation Video\" height=\"720\" width=\"1280\" class=\"size-full\" data-matomo-title = \"Denotation and Connotation\">\n\t\t\t<\/picture>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<style>img#videoThumbnailImage_HReFUuWtJCk:hover {cursor:pointer;} img#videoThumbnailImage_HReFUuWtJCk {background-size:contain;background-image:url(\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/new-thumb-9.webp\");}<\/style>\n\t\t\t<script defer>\n\t\t\t  jQuery(\"img#videoThumbnailImage_HReFUuWtJCk\").click(function() {\n\t\t\t\tlet videoId = jQuery(this).attr(\"data-source-videoID\");\n\t\t\t\tlet helpTag = '<div id=\"mmDeferVideoYTMessage_HReFUuWtJCk\" style=\"display: none;position: absolute;top: -24px;width: 100%;text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;font-size: small;border-top: 1px solid #fc0;\">Having trouble? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v='+videoId+'\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to watch on YouTube.<\/a><\/span><\/div>';\n\t\t\t\tlet tag = document.createElement(\"iframe\");\n\t\t\t\ttag.id = \"yt\" + videoId;\n\t\t\t\ttag.src = \"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/\" + videoId + \"?autoplay=1&controls=1&wmode=opaque&rel=0&egm=0&iv_load_policy=3&hd=0&enablejsapi=1\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.frameborder = 0;\n\t\t\t\ttag.allow = \"autoplay; fullscreen\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.width = this.width;\n\t\t\t\ttag.height = this.height;\n\t\t\t\ttag.setAttribute(\"data-matomo-title\",\"Denotation and Connotation\");\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_HReFUuWtJCk\").html(tag);\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_HReFUuWtJCk\").prepend(helpTag);\n\t\t\t\tsetTimeout(function(){jQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoYTMessage_HReFUuWtJCk\").css(\"display\", \"block\");}, 2000);\n\t\t\t  });\n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t<\/script>\n\t\t\n<p><script>\nfunction GK2_Function() {\n  var x = document.getElementById(\"GK2\");\n  if (x.style.display === \"none\") {\n    x.style.display = \"block\";\n  } else {\n    x.style.display = \"none\";\n  }\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"moc-toc hide-on-desktop hide-on-tablet\">\n<div><button onclick=\"GK2_Function()\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/toc2.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"show or hide table of contents\"><\/button><\/p>\n<p>On this page<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<nav id=\"GK2\" style=\"display:none;\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Connotation_vs_Denotation\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Connotation vs. Denotation<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Review\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Connotation_vs_Denotation_(Definitions_Examples)_PDF\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Connotation vs Denotation (Definitions &#038; Examples) PDF<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion\"><input id=\"transcript\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"transcript\">Transcript<\/label><input id=\"FAQs\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"FAQs\">FAQs<\/label><input id=\"factsheet\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"factsheet\">Fact Sheet<\/label>\n<div class=\"spoiler\" id=\"transcript-spoiler\">\n<p>Imagine two friends, Alex and Jamie, discussing Jamie\u2019s recent thrift store find. Jamie says, &#8220;This jacket was surprisingly inexpensive!&#8221; Alex replies, &#8220;I mean, it looked pretty <em>cheap<\/em> to me.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>This simple exchange captures the essence of <strong>connotation<\/strong> and <strong>denotation<\/strong> in our daily lives. While both words refer to the jacket&#8217;s low cost, &#8220;cheap&#8221; hints at poor quality, whereas &#8220;inexpensive&#8221; suggests a smart purchase. Today, we&#8217;ll explore how understanding these concepts can deepen our connections and enrich our conversations.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Connotation_vs_Denotation\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Connotation vs. Denotation<\/h2>\n<p>\nSo what do the terms &#8220;connotation&#8221; and &#8220;denotation&#8221; actually mean? Denotation is simply the dictionary definition of a word. Connotation, however, is what emotions and\/or ideas are associated with a particular word or phrase.<\/p>\n<p>The way connotation and denotation work together in language helps us use words more effectively. It lets poets create vivid images, marketers persuade with their messages, and politicians inspire or provoke.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Connotation_and_Denotation_Examples\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Connotation and Denotation Examples<\/h3>\n<p>\nConsider the word &#8220;youth.&#8221; Its denotation is simple: a period of life. Yet, its connotations can evoke vitality, naivety, or even rebellion. These layers of meaning, these connotations, are shaped by our experiences, our culture, and the context in which words are used. They color our perceptions and influence our reactions, often without our conscious awareness.<\/p>\n<p>Words can have extremely different connotations, even when their denotations are similar. Let\u2019s take &#8220;Curious&#8221; and &#8220;nosy,&#8221; for instance. The denotation of each word is similar, referring to the desire for knowledge. However, \u201cnosy\u201d often carries a negative connotation, suggesting an intrusive interest in others&#8217; affairs. <\/p>\n<p>For example, &#8220;Her nosy coworker wouldn&#8217;t stop asking about her weekend plans.&#8221; &#8220;Curious,&#8221; on the other hand, has a generally positive connotation, implying a more innocent eagerness to learn. For example, &#8220;He was curious about the new exhibit at the museum.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>As you can see, it\u2019s not just about selecting the right words but also grasping their deeper impact on people&#8217;s feelings and thoughts.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2><span id=\"Review\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Review<\/h2>\n<p>\nBefore we wrap up, let\u2019s go over a couple of practice questions.<\/p>\n<p>1. &#8220;The company&#8217;s strategy was described as aggressive.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Is the connotation of &#8220;aggressive&#8221; positive or negative in this context?<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\">\n   <button class=\"buttontranscript\" onClick=\"toggle('Answer1')\">Show Answer<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"Answer1\" class=\"showanswer\">\n   <strong>Negative<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">In this context, the connotation of the word &#8220;aggressive&#8221; is negative.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>2. &#8220;Her approach to problem-solving was termed &#8216;innovative.&#8217;&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Is the connotation of &#8220;innovative&#8221; positive or negative in this context?<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\">\n   <button class=\"buttontranscript\" onClick=\"toggle('Answer2')\">Show Answer<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"Answer2\" class=\"showanswer\">\n   <strong>Positive<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">In this context, the connotation of the word &#8220;innovative&#8221; is positive.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>3. &#8220;The policy changes were labeled as &#8216;strong&#8217; by the committee.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Is the connotation of &#8220;strong&#8221; positive or negative in this context?<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\">\n   <button class=\"buttontranscript\" onClick=\"toggle('Answer3')\">Show Answer<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"Answer3\" class=\"showanswer\">\n   <strong>More context is needed.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">This is actually an example where more context is needed to determine the connotation of a word. \u201cStrong\u201d could imply effectiveness in a positive sense, or excessive force in a negative sense, depending on further context.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>4. &#8220;The restaurant&#8217;s ambiance was cozy.<\/p>\n<p>Is the connotation of &#8220;cozy&#8221; positive or negative in this context?<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\">\n   <button class=\"buttontranscript\" onClick=\"toggle('Answer4')\">Show Answer<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"Answer4\" class=\"showanswer\">\n   <strong>Positive<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">In this context, the connotation of the word &#8220;cozy&#8221; is positive.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>All right, that\u2019s all for this review. Thanks for watching and happy studying!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"spoiler\" id=\"FAQs-spoiler\">\n<h2 style=\"text-align:center\"><span id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"faq-list\">\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">What is connotation?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>Connotation is the idea or feeling that a word invokes by adding to the literal meaning of the actual word itself. In other words, if a word has a \u201cgood\u201d connotation, it is a word that invokes a positive feeling or idea; if a word has a \u201cbad\u201d connotation, it is a word that invokes a negative feeling or idea. The context of the surrounding text can help clarify the connotation of a particular word or phrase.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Good connotation:<\/strong> \u201cOscar uses coupons at the grocery store because he is economical.\u201d<br \/><strong>Bad connotation:<\/strong> \u201cOscar uses coupons at the grocery store because he is cheap.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">What is denotation?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>Denotations are the most literal meaning of a word or feeling; it is essentially the definition you would find in a dictionary.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">What is the difference between connotation and denotation?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>Connotation is an indirect expression representing an implied feeling or meaning of a word, while denotation is the most literal meaning of any given word. For example, the <strong>denotation<\/strong> of the word <em>timid<\/em> is \u201clacking in courage or self confidence.\u201d The <strong>connotation<\/strong> of <em>timid<\/em> is generally a negative one, particularly if you compare it to the word <em>reserved<\/em> or the word <em>apprehensive<\/em>, which have a more positive connotation.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">What is a negative connotation?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>Negative connotations are bad feelings or emotions that affect people when they hear certain words or phrases. Negative connotations can drastically affect or change the meaning of the text.<\/p>\n<p>For example, when comparing the words <em>elderly<\/em> and <em>mature<\/em>, the word with a negative connotation would be <em>elderly<\/em>. While <em>mature<\/em> invokes the idea of dignity and wisdom, <em>elderly<\/em> invokes the idea of an older and perhaps weaker person.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">What is a positive connotation?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>Positive connotations are words that create happy feelings and moods within a text, contrasting the negative connotations that cause negative feelings.<\/p>\n<p>For example, when comparing the words <em>curious<\/em> and <em>nosy<\/em>, the word with a positive connotation would be <em>curious<\/em>. While <em>nosy<\/em> invokes the idea of someone prying into other people\u2019s business, <em>curious<\/em> invokes the idea of someone desiring to learn about something new.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"spoiler\" id=\"factsheet-spoiler\">\n<h2 style=\"text-align:center\"><span id=\"Connotation_vs_Denotation_(Definitions_Examples)_PDF\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Connotation vs Denotation (Definitions &#038; Examples) PDF<\/h2>\n<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"2550\" height=\"3300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Connotation-and-Denotation-01.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Connotation and Denotation example and uses pdf link.\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Connotation-and-Denotation-01.png 2550w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Connotation-and-Denotation-01-232x300.png 232w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Connotation-and-Denotation-01-791x1024.png 791w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Connotation-and-Denotation-01-768x994.png 768w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Connotation-and-Denotation-01-1187x1536.png 1187w, https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Connotation-and-Denotation-01-1583x2048.png 1583w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2550px) 100vw, 2550px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"sub_categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Connotation-and-Denotation.pdf\"><span id=\"Your_Connotation_vs_Denotation_PDF_Download\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Your Connotation vs Denotation PDF Download<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"home-buttons\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/parts-of-a-sentence\/\">Return to Parts of a Sentence Videos<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script>\nfunction toggle(obj) {\n          var obj=document.getElementById(obj);\n          if (obj.style.display == \"block\") obj.style.display = \"none\";\n          else obj.style.display = \"block\";\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Return to Parts of a Sentence Videos<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":239932,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-4013","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"page_category-parts-of-a-sentence-videos","7":"page_category-video-pages-for-study-course-sidebar-ad","8":"page_type-video","9":"content_type-fact-sheet","10":"subject_matter-english"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4013","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4013"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4013\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":239935,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4013\/revisions\/239935"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/239932"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4013"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}