Exploring Connotation and Denotation

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Objective

I can distinguish between the connotation and denotation of words and analyze their impact on meaning.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

Khan Academy · 5:22Vetted channel

We don't generate video — this one is by Khan Academy on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    Connotation refers to the feelings or cultural associations a word evokes, while denotation is the dictionary definition.

  2. 2

    Words like 'sweet,' 'cloying,' and 'syrupy' can have similar denotations but different connotations, expressing a writer's attitude.

  3. 3

    Authors choose words carefully to set a tone and imply meaning, and connotation can be personal, shaped by individual experiences.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

10 questions

1

What is the denotation of a word?

2

What is connotation?

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

The words "thrifty" and "cheap" have similar denotations, but different connotations. Explain the connotations of both words and how they might impact the meaning or tone of a description.

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

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