What is the Difference Between Connotation and Denotation?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between connotation and denotation lies in the meanings and associations related to words or expressions:
- Denotation refers to the literal definition of a word or expression, its direct meaning, and the object or concept it stands for. Denotation is the primary, explicit meaning it has in the dictionary and is often referred to as the "dictionary definition".
- Connotation refers to the ideas or meanings associated with a word or expression, the global and personal associations it carries. Connotations can be subjective and vary based on individual experiences and cultures. They can have negative, neutral, or positive implications on a term.
For example, consider the word "sick":
- Denotation: Poor health
- Connotation: Impressive or exciting
In another example, a four-leaf clover:
- Denotation: A trifolium clover with four leaves
- Connotation: A good luck charm
In summary, denotation represents the objective, literal meaning of a word or expression, while connotation refers to the subjective, emotional, or cultural associations it evokes.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Connotation and Denotation? Comparative Table: Connotation vs Denotation
Comparative Table: Connotation vs Denotation
Here is a table illustrating the difference between connotation and denotation:
Feature | Denotation | Connotation |
---|---|---|
Meaning | Refers to the literal meaning of a word, which is found in the dictionary. | Refers to the broad range of positive and negative associations that a word conveys, including personal associations, emotions, and feelings. |
Example | The word "vintage" has a denotation meaning "made a long time ago". | The word "vintage" has a connotation meaning "an old style that's popular again". |
Association | Denotation is the basic conceptual reflection of the word. | Connotation indicates the facet of the word's meaning that generates out of association in the user's mind with their own abstract ideas and values. |
Primary/Secondary Explanation | Denotation refers to the direct or primary explanation of a word. | Connotation refers to the secondary or connected explanation of a word. |
In summary, denotation is the literal meaning of a word, while connotation is the emotional, contextual meaning linked to a word. Denotation can be found in the dictionary, whereas connotation represents the emotions, feelings, or ideas that come to mind when you read or listen to a word.
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