Grammar Exercise on Denotation and Connotation

This exercise will help you distinguish between the denotative and connotative meanings of words. The denotative meaning of a word is the definition youll find in the dictionary. Theres not a lot of wiggle room when it comes to the interpretation of denotative words—which is why theyre commonly used when its important to ensure what youre writing or saying cannot either be misinterpreted or interpreted in more than one way, and the reason youll often find denotative words in the language of things such as the legal documents, medical papers, scientific studies, and technical manuals (at least, the well-written ones). A connotative word, on the other hand, may have several meanings or nuances—some positive and some negative. Connotative words are the stuff of poetry, fiction, and even advertising. Rather than bringing to mind a concise image, connotative words are used to evoke a certain atmosphere or inspire feelings. Instructions In each of the following sentences, the italicized word has a fairly neutral connotation. For each word in italics, list two synonyms (words with similar denotations): one with a negative connotation and the other with a positive connotation. In addition to reviewing the glossary entries for denotation and connotation, you may find it helpful to read the introduction to Choosing the Best Words: Denotations and Connotations. Example: Sometimes my thin friend annoys me. Negative connotation: scrawnyPositive connotation: slim When you have completed the exercise, compare your answers with the sample responses that follow below. I recognized the familiar smell of my roommates cooking.Scrapple is an inexpensive meal.Kevins interest in model cars has turned into a hobby.Uncle Henry lives in a hut deep in the woods.Phileas Fogg was an adventurous traveler.We stopped for lunch at a diner in West Virginia.My parents are committed, conservationists.My old laptop has finally died.In a quiet and stealthy way, Bartleby moved into the lawyers chambers.The teacher was mildly intimidated by Rolands assertive behavior. Sample Connotative Responses I recognized the familiar  smell  of my roommates cooking. Negative connotation:  stenchPositive connotation:  aroma Scrapple is an  inexpensive  meal. Negative connotation:  cheapPositive connotation:  thrifty Kevins interest in model cars has turned into a  hobby. Negative connotation:  obsessionPositive connotation:  avocation Uncle Henry lives in a  hut  deep in the woods. Negative connotation:  shackPositive connotation:  cabin Phileas Fogg was an  adventurous  traveler. Negative connotation:  foolhardyPositive connotation:  courageous We stopped for lunch at a  diner  in West Virginia. Negative connotation:  greasy spoonPositive connotation:  cafà © or bistro My parents are committed  conservationists. Negative connotation:  tree huggersPositive connotation:  environmentalists My  old  laptop has finally died. Negative connotation:  decrepitPositive connotation:  venerable In a quiet and  stealthy  way, Bartleby moved into the lawyers chambers. Negative connotation:  sneakyPositive connotation:  cunning The teacher was mildly intimated by  Rolands  assertive  behavior. Negative connotation:  bossyPositive connotation:  confident