Connotation vs. Denotation (L.5)

Denotation is the literal meaning (dictionary definition) of a word.

Connotation is emotions or feelings that come to mind when you think of a word.

Read examples on this website. Links to an external site. You need to know this!

Use a thesaurus to help you improve word choice, but remember that every word has a different connotation. Check out this clip from Friends to see how NOT to use a thesaurus. Friends Clip Links to an external site.

 

Get it now? Quiz time!
What's the denotation of the word "night?"

What are connotations of the word "night?"