Denotation and Connotation

Separate a word's dictionary meaning from the feelings and associations it carries.

Every word has a denotation, its literal dictionary meaning, and often a connotation, the feelings and associations that come along with it. 'House' and 'home' have nearly the same denotation, a building where people live. But 'home' connotes warmth, family, and belonging, while 'house' is more neutral. Writers choose between such words deliberately. Compare two descriptions of the same student: 'Jordan is determined' and 'Jordan is stubborn'. Both denote someone who will not easily change course.

'Determined' connotes admirable strength; 'stubborn' connotes annoying inflexibility. The facts are identical; the judgment is opposite. When you read, especially opinion writing or character descriptions, ask two questions about key words: What does this literally mean? What does it make me feel about the subject? The second question often reveals the author's view, even when it is never stated outright.

• 1Denotation is the literal dictionary meaning.
• 2Connotation is the feeling or association a word carries.
• 3Words with the same denotation can carry opposite judgments.