Defining denotative and connotative and their examples.
DENOTATIVE AND CONNOTATIVE – One is subjective and the other is objective, and here are some more examples to understand this.
Connotation and denotation are two opposite philosophies.
In terms of language and communication, it is important to relay your feelings and ideas concisely. However, there are two ways of doing this – being subjective and objective or being literal and associating emotions with the literal meaning. As much as we all know, meanings are the ones that give power to words – it is the core of any language.
What is a denotative meaning?
This is the definition that came from the dictionary. This is the literal and exact meaning of a word, the most concise word. Just always remember: “d”enotation = “d”ictionary.
What is a connotative meaning?
This is the hidden meaning behind the word that gives it an impact that is more emotional. It gives the impression that is emotional rather than a fact. These words can affect readers in different ways. Just always remember: “c”onnotation = “c”onnection.
For example:
- Denotation of sick: poor health
I can’t go to the party. I am sick. - Connotation of sick: impressive or exciting
That car’s speed is so sick!
- Denotation of four-leaf clover: a trifolium clover with four-leaves
There is a four-leaf clover on the ground. - Connotation of four-leaf clover: a good luck charm
She was like my personal four-leaf clover in this lifetime.
- Denotation of player: a person who plays
He is a good basketball player! - Connotation of player: a person who dates a lot of people
Don’t even talk to him. He’s a player.
- Denotation of blue: an intermediate color between green and violet
I am wearing a blue jacket. - Connotation of blue: a sad or melancholy emotion
After he passed away, I was left feeling blue all my life for being alone.