Connotation ~ Denotation
modified from J. Weston Walch Publishing 1981 01-1918
The denotation of a word is its dictionary definition(s). Its connotation is what it suggests beyond that. For example, the term cat denotes “a domesticated carnivorous mammal with retractile claws,” but the same term may connote witchcraft, bad luck, allergies, or a gossipy woman. Similarly, doubloons and pieces of eight usually connote pirates and buried treasure chests. Through careful selection of words for the connotative value, a writer can pack more punch into a message. Using the name Cathay for China can make that country seem more remote and mysterious. By referring to a horse as a steed or a courser, a very different impression of the animal is created. Do the activities below, which illustrate connotation. Then, take the bold-boxed letters in the answer and transfer them to the appropriate space in this quotation from the poet, Ezra Pound.
	Great literature is simply language charged with
						10		14	7		9		8	9	2	11	13
		11	1	14	16		11	10	13	15		11

	4	13	15	15	8	6	5		14		3	14	2	12	14	14
Colors have a variety of connotation. Which color do you associate with each word below? Write the name of the color in the spaces, starting with the first space and leaving blank all space you do not need to complete the word.
								1.		purity
								2.		envy
								3.		anger
								4.		royalty
								5.		cowardice
								6.		sadness
								7.		mourning
In each pair of words below, which one sounds more elegant or impressive?

	8.	old or antique
	9.	gown or dress
	10.	book or tome
	11.	letter or epistle
	12.	taper or candle
Which words in each pair below has a more favorable connotation?
	13.	normal or mediocre
	14.	childish or childlike
	15.	compromise or appeasement
	16.	inquisitive or nosy