Denotation and connotation
Denotation and connotation are related to the different meanings that words have.
Denotation refers to the most human language. The objective and common meaning of a word . The denotative sense is also known as the literal or proper sense.
Connotation refers to meanings, associations and ideas that go beyond the original meaning of the word . The connotative meaning is also known as the figurative meaning.
Examples of variation in word meaning :
The tamers managed to cage the wild beast . (denoting sense)
He was furious when he heard the news. (connotative sense)
That student is a genius at math. (connotative sense)
What is denotation?
Denotation refers to the most objective and common meaning of a word. It is the meaning that is immediately recognizable, being the most literal meaning of the word. It is often associated with the first meaning that appears in the dictionary.
A word is used in the denotative sense when it presents its original meaning, regardless of the sentence context in which it appears.
Examples with denotative meaning
- The elephant is a mammal.
- I have already read this page of the book.
- The maid cleaned the house.
The denotative language aims to inform the receiver of the message in a clear and objective way, thus assuming a practical and utilitarian character.
The denotative meaning of words is used in informative texts, such as newspapers, regulations, instruction manuals, drug inserts and scientific texts.
What is connotation?
Connotation refers to meanings, associations and ideas that go beyond the original meaning of the word. It occurs when words assume a figurative and symbolic meaning, which expand their meaning according to the situation in which they are used.
A word is used in the connotative sense when it has different meanings, subject to different interpretations, depending on the sentence context in which it appears.
Examples with connotative meaning
Connotative language aims to provoke feelings in the message receiver, through the expressiveness and affectivity it conveys.
The connotative meaning of words is used mainly in poetic language and literature, but it also occurs in everyday conversations, in song lyrics and in advertisements.
Connotative and denotative meaning of words
The Portuguese language is rich, interesting, creative and versatile, and is constantly evolving. Words do not only have an objective and literal meaning, but a variety of meanings, depending on the context in which they occur and the experiences and knowledge of the people who use them.
Check the difference between the denotative and connotative meaning of words:
Sun :
The Sun is the central star of the Solar System. (denoting sense)
You are the sun of my life! (connotative sense)
Sea :
I’m going to go for a swim in the sea. (denotive sense)
My life is a sea of sadness. (connotative sense)
Home :
I haven’t gotten home yet. (denoting sense)
This company was my home for many years. (connotative sense)
Tapir :
The tapir is also called tapir. (denoting sense)
You tapir! (connotative sense)
Skull :
We are studying the bones of the skull. (denotive sense)
He really is a skull! (connotative sense).
Similarities between denotation and connotation
The similarities between the semantic unit of a text. In other words ?denotation? and ?connotation? They lie in the fact that both refer to the meaning of a word. Denotation is the literal or objective meaning, which can be found in the dictionary; while connotation is the subjective or implicit meaning associated with a term. These two ideas are related since the connotation of a word would not exist without its previous denotation, since this provides the basic elements to create figurative meaning and interpret it as desired.
Differences between denotation and connotation
Denotation refers to the literal and human language. The objective meaning of a word or phrase . For example, the word “house” denotes a place where you live. On the other hand, connotation is the meaning suggested by a word or phrase. These connotations can be positive (a house as a place of warmth and security) or negative (a house that represents prison). The connotation depends on the context in which the semantic unit of a text. In other words are used and the personal biases of the listener.
Frequent questions about Denotation and Connotation
What is denotation and its example?
Denotation is the literal or dictionary meaning of a word, phrase, or concept. An example would be the word “tree.” The denotation of this word is a plant organism with stems and branches supported by roots that extend downward into the soil.
What is denotation in language?
Denotation is the literal or primary meaning of a word, phrase, or text. It refers to the direct interpretation of language without any connotation. It is the objective meaning that speakers assign to semantic unit of a text. In other words, regardless of their contextual use.
What is denotation and connotation?
Denotation is the literal meaning of a word or phrase. Connotative meaning, on the other hand, refers to the additional feelings and associations surrounding the word or phrase.
What does the word denoted mean?
To denote means to refer to what a word or phrase literally means. For example, the word “house” denotes a place to live.
What is connotation and its examples?
Connotation is an association or secondary meaning that a word has beyond its literal definition. A common example of connotation is the use of the term “house” to refer to family, where emphasis is placed on emotional ties and not only the place where a person lives. Another example would be saying “I was glowing” to describe someone who was happy. These phrases have positive implications and can convey much deeper ideas than simply saying, “I was happy.”
What does a connotation mean?
A connotation is a non-literal implication or association that is linked to a word, phrase, or image. For example, the word “fresh” may have the connotation of refreshing and relaxing.
What is denotation and connotation?
Denotation is the literal meaning of a word or phrase, while connotation includes the ideas associated with a word or phrase, such as feelings and opinions.
