Denotation Examples
- The boy was pushy. (He was literally pushing people.)
- She was cold. (She was cold in temperature.)
- It was too hard. (The object was too firm.)
- The dog is a mutt. (The dog is a mix of several breeds.)
- Trevor is a bull. (The bull is named Trevor.)
- The woman was frugal. (The woman is economical when spending money.)
- He was bull-headed. ...
Which is the best definition of denotation?
The definition of denotation refers to the direct or dictionary meaning of a word, in contrast to its figurative or associated meanings ( connotations ).
What words have the same denotation but different connotation?
The following list provides just that:
- Chef and Cook Denotation: Both words denote someone who prepares food. ...
- House and Home Denotation: Both words denote a place where people live. ...
- Shrewd and Clever Denotation: Both words denote intelligence. ...
- Skinny and Slim Denotation: Both words denote thinness. ...
- Journalist and Newshound Denotation: Both words denote someone who reports on the news. ...
What are connotative and denotative examples?
Connotation and denotation are not two different things/signs. They are two aspects/ elements of a word or phrase, and the connotative meanings of a word exist together with the denotative meanings. Clearly. denotative language is factual; connotative carries emotional overtones . For example, you may live in a house, but we live in a home.
How to use "denotation" in a sentence?
Use “denotation” in a sentence | “denotation” sentence examples
- (1) But though the denotation of niubi is embarrassingly plain , it’s connotations are far from obvious.
- (2) Its denotation is a truth – value.
- (3) Conversely, the broader image ? ...
What is the example of denotation?
Denotation refers to the literal meaning of a word, the 'dictionary definition. ' For example, the name 'Hollywood' connotes such things as glitz, glamour, tinsel, celebrity, and dreams of stardom.
What is a denotation in literature?
Denotation is the objective meaning of a word. The term comes from the Latin word “denotationem,” meaning “indication.” The denotation of a word is its literal definition—its dictionary definition—and contains no emotion. This is in contrast to connotation, which is the subjective or associated meaning of a word.
What are some examples of connotation and denotation?
For example, the denotation of word red is just colour red but its connotation is danger or blood is, Here again you should be careful because, in some instances, the dictionary lists several denotations for a single word.
What is connotation and denotation in literature?
One word can have a both a “denotation” and a “connotation”. These are called “figures of speech”. DENOTATION: The direct definition of the word that you find in the dictionary. CONNOTATION: The emotional suggestions of a word, that is not literal.
What are 5 examples of connotation?
Connotative Words: ExamplesPositive ConnotationNeutral ConnotationNegative Connotationthriftysavingstingysteadfasttenaciousstubbornsatedfilledcrammedcourageousconfidentconceited6 more rows
What is connotation example?
Connotation is the use of a word to suggest a different association than its literal meaning, which is known as denotation. For example, blue is a color, but it is also a word used to describe a feeling of sadness, as in: “She's feeling blue.” Connotations can be either positive, negative, or neutral.
What is denotative sentence?
1 : an act or process of denoting. 2 : meaning especially : a direct specific meaning as distinct from an implied or associated idea comparing a word's denotation with its connotations In fact, the "Parks and Recreation" alum said he didn't know the word's medical denotation. — Nardine Saad. 3a : a denoting term : name.
What is the denotation of snake?
This is the literal, unambiguous meaning of a word. A denotation of snake is “a limbless, slithering reptile without eyelids, sometimes poisonous.” It's easy to remember what a denotative meaning is, because “denotation” and “dictionary” both begin with the letter “d.”
Which statement defines denotation?
Define: denotation. a word's literal meaning; its dictionary definition.
How do you use denotation in a sentence?
How to use Denotation in a sentenceShe studied the denotation of the sentence as a whole. ... The denotation of a word translates the word to its literal meaning. ... The word "dentist" has the denotation "man or woman who fixes teeth."More items...
What is an example of a connotation sentence?
Common Connotation Examples Their suggested meanings are shaped by cultural and emotional associations: “He's such a dog.” – In this sense, the word dog connotes shamelessness or ugliness. “That woman is a dove at heart.” – Here, the dove implies peace or gentility.
What Denotative means?
Definition of denotation 1 : an act or process of denoting. 2 : meaning especially : a direct specific meaning as distinct from an implied or associated idea comparing a word's denotation with its connotations In fact, the "Parks and Recreation" alum said he didn't know the word's medical denotation. — Nardine Saad.
Which statement defines denotation?
Define: denotation. a word's literal meaning; its dictionary definition.
What is an example of a connotation sentence?
Common Connotation Examples Their suggested meanings are shaped by cultural and emotional associations: “He's such a dog.” – In this sense, the word dog connotes shamelessness or ugliness. “That woman is a dove at heart.” – Here, the dove implies peace or gentility.
What is literary denotation?
What is Denotation in Literature? Definition, Examples of Literary Denotation. Denotation is the literal meaning of a word. This can be examined in contrast to a word’s connotation which is its implied meaning. A word’s denotation is devoid of elements such as emotion or hidden meaning.
What is the meaning of denotation?
Denotation is the literal dictionary definition of a word, without any emotional and/or implied meaning hidden beyond the literal. Denotation is best understood in contrast to its opposite, connotation, which is the implied meaning of a word based on context. Writers that stick to literal, denotative meanings in their writing are likely trying ...
What is the meaning of denotation in philosophy?
In philosophical writing, for example, denotation is common as the philosophical writers can only get their ideas across when they are direct and clear. Consider Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle, in which the idea of contemplation is examined. There is not much hidden meaning in the following words:
What is denotation in figurative exploration?
You can also think of denotation as an anchor for figurative exploration for certain ideas. For example, concepts such as personification, simile, and metaphor rely on the reader’s understanding of the denotation of a word in order to bring deeper meaning to the concept.
Why is it important to use words true to their denotation?
In other types of writing, using words true to their denotation can enhance the quality of the writing by making it as clear, direct, and precise as possible so that readers cannot misunderstand the point. This would be found in styles of writing such as journalistic reporting or academic research.
What does the meaning of the words in the following stanza mean?
Because the language is so lyrical and paints such a beautiful mental picture, it’s surprising to realize that the meaning of the words in the following stanza are actually all quite literal, which serves to enhance the visual imagery: When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils;
Do words have the same denotation?
Many words will have the same denotation even if they tend to be used in different ways. For example, the words “chef” and “cook” have the same dictionary definition but tend to conjure up different personal meanings for people.
What are some examples of denotation in literature?
2 Examples of Denotation in Literature. Novelists use de notation when they need to be explicitly clear about what they’re talking about. In Moby Dick (1851) Herman Melville refers to Moby Dick both by its denotative name—the “white whale”—and the name given to the animal.
When do authors use denotation?
Authors use denotation when they need to clearly convey the explicit meaning of a word. Otherwise, they’re more likely to use connotation. Denotation is straightforward, but it can be restricting. If an entire novel uses the denotative meanings of words, it would be dull.
Why is connotation important in literature?
Connotation allows for more creativity, details, character development, and worldbuilding. Connotation and denotation work hand in hand in literature; when readers understand the denotative meanings of words, they can grasp connotative meanings as well. Become a better writer with the MasterClass Annual Membership.
What is the difference between denotation and connotation?
The Pulitzer Prize winner teaches you everything he's learned across 26 video lessons on dramatic writing. Denotation is a contrast to connotation, which is the associated meaning of a word. A connotation is a feeling of emotion that a word carries which affects how readers understand its use.
What is the meaning of denotation?
Denotation is the objective meaning of a word. The term comes from the Latin word “denotationem,” meaning “indication.”. The denotation of a word is its literal definition—its dictionary definition—and contains no emotion. This is in contrast to connotation, which is the subjective or associated meaning of a word.
Can a connotative change?
Connotative meaning can change, but the denotative meaning does not. You understand the connotation of a word depending on your background. For example, two people may ascribe different connotations to the word “mother” depending on their life experiences.
Is denotation objective or subjective?
While denotation is a relatively straightforward concept, there are a number of things about it worth keeping in mind. Every word has a denotation. No matter the language or part of speech, every word has a dictionary definition. Denotation is objective.
Why do writers use denotation?
Further, writers use denotation in the sense of choosing the right word for the right occasion. Writers pay close attention to the meaning of the words they use, so that they can be as precise, concrete, clear, and realistic as possible.
What is the meaning of denotation?
Here’s a quick and simple definition: Denotation is the literal meaning, or "dictionary definition," of a word. Denotation is defined in contrast to connotation, which is the array of emotions and ideas suggested by a word in addition to its dictionary definition. The words "house" and "home," for example, have the same denotation —a building ...
What does the denotation of a smile mean?
The word's denotation—a smug or conceited smile —doesn't make sense in the context of the rest of the sentence. A writer can vastly improve his or her writing by paying close attention to the denotations of words and choosing those that best capture what the writer is trying to explain or describe.
What does "father" mean in a sentence?
For instance, one person might hear the word "father" and experience a connotation of stern, unforgiving, and distant, while for a different person "father" might have a connotation of loving kindness. The connotation depends on each person's personal experiences. But the denotation of the word is the same for both people.
What is the denotation of figurative language?
All types of figurative language, like personification and metaphor, rely on the reader's understanding of both a word's explicit definition and the word's emotional and imaginative meaning —its connotation.
Does connotation affect the meaning of a word?
While it's true that connotation can add a positive, negative, or neutral spin to that word's denotation, the meaning of the word can certainly affect whether the word is positive or negative. For example, it would be wrong to say that the words "smile" and "smirk" have the same denotation but different connotations ...
Is a denotation the same as a positive?
The connotation depends on each person's personal experiences. But the denotation of the word is the same for both people. Denotations don't have to be neutral: Many websites describe denotations as being "neutral," in contrast to connotations which can be positive, negative, or neutral. This is a misconception.
What is a denotation in a dictionary?
In other words, denotation is a word’s “dictionary definition” rather than its associated emotion or definition. II. Examples of Denotation. As mentioned above, a word’s denotation is understood as in contrast with its connotation.
What is the meaning of denotation?
Denotation (pronounced dee-noh- tey -sh uh n) is a word’ or thing’s literal or main definition. The term comes from the late Latin Latin denotationem meaning “indication,” and is contrasted with connotation. A word’s denotation is completely absent of emotion, so it is defined as distinguished from its connotation (its associated meaning).
What is the denotation of the word "blue"?
For example, denotation of the word “blue” is the color blue, but its connotation is “sad”—read the following sentence: The blueberry is very blue. We understand this sentence by its denotative meaning—it describes the literal color of the fruit. In contrast, read the next sentence: Susie is very blue.
Why is denotation important?
Importance of Denotation. A word or phrase’s denotation is what we would find in the dictionary, so it is important for one main reason —it provides clear, literal definition. However, in literature and in everyday language, a word’s denotation is often less central than its universal connotation, which allows writers to be more creative ...
What is the denotative meaning of a philosophy?
Example 1. Philosophical works rely on the denotative meaning of words and phrases when defining principles, ethics, or moral law. When a philosopher presents a philosophy or principle, he asserts it in terms of what he knows or has decided to be true—he makes statements rather than suggestions.
What is the meaning of the daffodils in the poem "Beside the Lake"?
In the lines above, “golden daffodils,” and “beside the lake” are understood by their denotative meanings—the daffodils are flowers that are golden in color, and they are growing next to the lake.
What is denotation in writing?
Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks. The definition of denotation refers to the direct or dictionary meaning of a word, in contrast to its figurative or associated meanings ...
What is the meaning of denotation?
The definition of denotation refers to the direct or dictionary meaning of a word, in contrast to its figurative or associated meanings ( connotations ). To understand the difference, think of how words would be used in writing about science or legal matters (with a precision of meaning) vs.
What is the connotative implication of the rocks, stones, and trees?
However, the connotative implication of the rocks, stones, and trees is that the active, lively girl of the first stanza is now dead and buried in the second.
What happens if you use gender specific terms?
Today, if you'd use those gender-specific terms, it would show you are out of date and may make people think you're sexist. If you're creating an elderly fictional character, the fact that the language changes over time can be used effectively. You'd want that person to have the diction of his or her age.
Is "denotative" a verb?
As a verb, the term is to denote, and as an adjective, something is denotative. The concept is also called extension or reference . Denotative meaning is sometimes called cognitive meaning, referential meaning, or conceptual meaning .
What is an example of denotation?
Example #1 Daffodils by William Wordsworth. This poem, which is also known as ‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,’ provides readers with a great example of denotation. Within the lines of the text, the speaker describes the “golden daffodils” and how they were found “Beside the lake”.
Why do writers use denotation?
A writer might go against the denotative mining of a word in order to create something new or something that seems original. By using a word in contrast to its dictionary definition a reader should be caught off guard.
What is a connotation in writing?
Connotations are important in all forms of writing but mostly in fiction and poetry.
What is the meaning of connotation?
In contrast to denotation, connotation is the metaphorical or symbolic meaning of a word. It is not that which is found in a dictionary but that which often enters into one’s mind when the word is read or described. It is associated with figurative language and literary devices.
What is denotation in a sentence?
Denotation: Definition and Examples. Words can carry dozens of different meanings depending on how they’re used, their context, and with whom you’re speaking. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the connotation (implicit meaning) behind the words you choose. Sometimes, however, you might just be referring to a word’s literal ...
What does "denotation" mean?
A word’s denotation is usually the same as its definition in the dictionary. It does not reflect the emotions or cultural notions that we often attach to words; instead, it represents only the word’s explicit meaning. The word “hot,” for example, denotes a high degree of heat or a high temperature.
What does "something on your bosom" mean?
Here, “something on your bosom” denotes the letter “ A” for “adulterer” that Hester has been forced to wear on her chest. Figuratively, however, it also refers to the shame women are forced to feel by Puritan society for their sexuality.
Definition of Denotation
Denotation is generally defined as literal or dictionary meanings of a word in contrast to its connotative or associated meanings.
Denotation and Connotation
In literary works, we find it a common practice with writers to deviate from the dictionary meanings of words to create fresher ideas and images. Such deviations from the literal meanings are referred to as “ figurative language ,” or “literary devices,” e.g. metaphors, similes, personifications, hyperboles, understatements, paradoxes, and puns.
Function of Denotation
Readers are familiar with denotations of words but denotations are generally restricted meanings. Writers, therefore, deviate from the denotative meanings of words to create fresh ideas and images that add deeper levels of meanings to common and ordinary words.
Denotation Definition
Denotation Examples
- Every single word in every language has a denotation. The examples of denotation in literature, speeches, and the speech of everyday life is therefore endless, but that also makes it hard to pick out one example from literature that better illustrates denotation than any other example. Instead of providing examples from literature, it's probably mo...
Why Writers Use Denotation
- Because denotation is a word's explicit meaning, writers can't help but use this literary term in their work. Denotation is everywhere language is! But writers still rely greatly on denotation as an anchor for their artistic choices. All types of figurative language, like personification and metaphor, rely on the reader's understanding of both a word's explicit definition and the word's e…
Other Helpful Denotation Resources
I. What Is denotation?
- Denotation (pronounced dee-noh-tey-shuh n) is a word’ or thing’s literal or main definition. The term comes from the late Latin Latin denotationemmeaning “indication,” and is contrasted with connotation. A word’s denotation is completely absent of emotion, so it is defined as distinguished from its connotation (its associated meaning). In other words, denotation is a wor…
III. Importance of Denotation
- A word or phrase’s denotation is what we would find in the dictionary, so it is important for one main reason—it provides clear, literal definition. However, in literature and in everyday language, a word’s denotation is often less central than its universal connotation, which allows writers to be more creative and expressive with their thoughts. If we only wrote using denotative meaning, all …
IV. Examples of Denotation in Literature
- Example 1
Philosophical works rely on the denotative meaning of words and phrases when defining principles, ethics, or moral law. When a philosopher presents a philosophy or principle, he asserts it in terms of what he knows or has decided to be true—he makes statements rather than sugge… - Example 2
Read the following selection from William Wordsworth’s well loved poem, I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud: In the lines above, “golden daffodils,” and “beside the lake” are understood by their denotative meanings—the daffodils are flowers that are golden in color, and they are growing ne…
v. Examples of Denotation in Pop Culture
- Example 1
Denotation is particularly useful and well employed in things that require instruction or definition, for example, cooking shows, how-to videos, or “do-it-yourself” (DIY) blogs. Cooking shows rely on clear instructions, properly measured amounts, and specific ingredients for the success of their … - Example 2
In the comedy movie Liar Liar, the main character, Fletcher, is unable to tell a lie for 24 hours after his son’s birthday wish comes true. So, Fletcher can only speak based on the denotative meanings of words. Since Fletcher cannot lie, everything he says and every word that comes out of his mo…
VI. Related Terms
- Connotation
As outlined and exemplified above, a word’s connotation is its implied or associated meaning. It is distinguished from the word’s denotation in that it has either a positive negative feeling, while denotation’s purpose is to define without feeling.
VII. Conclusion
- In conclusion, denotation is valuable when you want to be clear and straightforward with the meaning of your words. It is the best way to choose your words when you want to be objective and informative, without creating other feelings or alternate meanings.