DENOTATION AND CONNOTATION
The denotation of a word is the literal meaning of the word. The denotation of
sip, guzzle, and drink is the same because the literal meaning of each word is "
to
ingest liquid."
The connotation of a word refers to the feelings associated with the word.
Connotation can be described as positive, neutral, or negative. For example
, the
word sip has a
more positive
connotation in regard to "ingesting a liquid
" and
the
word
guzzled has a more negative connotation
.
The word drink is neutral.
A. DIRECTIONS: In each of the following items, think about the connotative meaning
of the on the line.
Then, rewrite the sentence by replacing the italicized word or phrase with a word
carrying the opposite connotation.
1. The couple danced until dawn in the historic town hall.
2. Wade gawked at the beautiful painting for what seemed like hours.
3. Donna droned out the school song.
4. The breeze tossed the boats in the harbor.