Difference Between Denotation and Connotation with Examples

📚 Denotation vs. Connotation: A Quick Study Guide

• 🔍 Denotation: The literal, dictionary definition of a word. It's objective and free from emotional association.
• 💡 Connotation: The emotional, cultural, or implied meaning associated with a word. It's subjective and can vary based on context.
• 📝 Key Difference: Denotation is what a word *is*, while connotation is what a word *suggests*.
• 🗣️ Example: The denotation of "home" is a place where someone lives. But the connotation of "home" might include feelings of warmth, family, and security.

🧪 Practice Quiz

1. What is the denotation of the word "snake"?
   1. A. A treacherous person
   2. B. A limbless reptile
   3. C. A long, winding river
   4. D. A musical instrument


2. Which of the following words has a negative connotation?
   1. A. Confident
   2. B. Assertive
   3. C. Pushy
   4. D. Determined


3. The denotation of "blue" is a color. What could be a connotation of "blue"?
   1. A. Happiness
   2. B. Sadness
   3. C. Anger
   4. D. Excitement


4. What is the denotation of the word "thrifty"?
   1. A. Wasteful
   2. B. Economical
   3. C. Generous
   4. D. Extravagant


5. Which word pair best represents denotation and connotation, respectively?
   1. A. Idea / Feeling
   2. B. Feeling / Idea
   3. C. Synonym / Antonym
   4. D. Antonym / Synonym


6. What is a possible connotation of the word "crowded"?
   1. A. Spaciousness
   2. B. Loneliness
   3. C. Claustrophobia
   4. D. Emptiness


7. Which sentence relies most heavily on connotation?
   1. A. The car is red.
   2. B. The house has four rooms.
   3. C. He is a lion on the battlefield.
   4. D. The temperature is 70 degrees.