This document discusses denotation and connotation in words. It begins by defining denotation as the dictionary definition of a word, while connotation refers to the secondary meaning or feelings associated with a word. It provides many examples of word pairs where one word may have a more positive or negative connotation. The document encourages choosing words carefully based on their connotations and growing one's vocabulary. It concludes by summarizing that denotation is the definition, connotation is the emotional association, and to use words' power of connotation when choosing them.

1. Lesson 2:
Choosing the Right Words
Denotation and Connotation

2. “What is in a name?
that which we
call a rose by
any other name
would smell as
sweet.”

3. Think of words as
superheroes.
They appear ordinary most
of the time, but they have
hidden powers.

4. Manchester United Miami Heat
Real Madrid LA Lakers
FC Barcelona Chicago Bulls
AFC Ajax Boston Celtics
Glasagno Rangers Dallas Mavericks
Oklahoma City Thunder

5. DENOTATION
It is the dictionary definition of a word.

6. CONNOTATION
Secondary meaning of the word.
Emotions or feelings are attached.

7. dove

8. star

9. Number
13

10. + positive
- negative

11. Home or House?
Which word connotes love,
comfort and security?

12. Home or House?
Which word connotes a
building or structure?

13. Which connotes a
slight insult about
being thin?
Which connotes a
desirable or
admirable trait?
Skinny or Slim?

14. Which connotes a
slight insult about
being fat?
Which connotes a
desirable or
admirable trait?
Fat or Curvy?

15. lazy or relaxed?
Which word has a
connotation of criticism?

16. juicy or greasy?
Which word has a
tastier connotation?

17. victim or loser?
Which word has a more
sympathetic connotation?

18. cheap or thrifty?
Which word has a more
positive connotation?

19. Activity 1:
Shades of Meaning
Arrange the 20 words
into a list of 10 pairs
with similar definitions.
Complete the
“Connotations Chart”
by correctly identifying
the word in each pair as
positive or negative.

20. CONNOTATIONS CHART
Career
Cheater
Chef
Cook
Cop
Coward
Crazy
Curious
Eccentric
Job
Nosy
Mentally Unstable
Officer
Plagiarizer
Politician
Statesman
Strong-willed
Stubborn
Timid
Weird

21. CONNOTATIONS CHART
Positive
Connotation
Negative
Connotation

22. Put a + sign next to the one with a positive connotation and a
– sign next to the one with a negative connotation.
1. a powerful stink
a powerful aroma
2. a dynamic leader
a pushy leader
3. old people
elderly people
4. a reckless plan
a daring plan
5. energetic children
wild children
.6. answered with arrogance
answered with confidence
7. sloppy clothes
casual clothes
8. an aggressive attitude
a hostile attitude
9. an easy-going friend
a lazy friend
10. a thoughtful response
a calculated response

23. Choose one set of words. Identify if these words are positive
or negative. Then, choose 2 words from the list and
demonstrate their meanings through a drawing.
• student, apprentice, learner, novice, scholar
• skinny, bony, malnourished, slender, thin
• run, dash, gallop, lope, sprint
• vacation, break, holiday, intermission, recess, layoff
• busy, active, diligent, occupied, persevering
• fear, dread, anxiety, panic, terror
• fat, obese, chubby, stout, plump, stocky
• friend, companion, acquaintance, colleague, playmate

25. -the secondary
meaning of the word
associated to your
emotions
DENOTATION
CONNOTATION
-dictionary definition of the word

26. Choosing the best words:
Pay attention to your words,
Grow your vocabulary,
Use the power of connotations