Concept/Definition
DENOTATION is…the dictionary definition of a word
Concept/Definition
CONNOTATION is…the thoughts, feelings, and associations that people have when they hear the word.
EXAMPLES
Some words have the same DENOTATION but have very different CONNOTATIONS.
Neutral | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
Curious | Interested | Nosy |
Direct | Straightforward | Rude |
Sensitive | Compassionate | Touchy |
Careless | Unconcerned | Negligent |