What is the difference between connotation and diction

So, we must be careful not only in our speech but also in our prose. The descriptors you use for your characters, setting, and plot will tell readers what they need to know, so be sure to be precise. For more, enjoy these connotations in literature examples. Watch the pros insert subtle meaning into their prose through the gentle use of connotative words.

All rights reserved. Home Grammar Difference Between Connotation vs. Denotation Difference Between Connotation vs. Difference Between Connotation vs. What Is Denotation? A Look at Connotations Connotation, on the other hand, is an indirect or implied meaning or feeling.

Connotation vs. Denotation Here's another way to look at it. It'll make that countertop nice and smooth. But, consider this sentence: That side of town is pretty gritty. Connotation and Denotation Examples Now that you know the difference between the meanings of connotation vs. Cheap: to cost very little Denotation: This shirt is cheap enough for me to afford.

Connotation: That t-shirt was so cheap, it pilled in a matter of weeks. Dabble: to show a superficial interest Denotation: I dabble in painting. Connotation: You should never dabble in drugs.

Innocent: free from guilt or wrongdoing Denotation: The court said she was innocent. Connotation: What does she know. She's so innocent. Jabber: speak in quick, often nonsensical talk Denotation: The baby jabbers. Because connotation is subjective, you might have a different feeling associated with a word. Denotation: All of these words are synonyms of thin and are used to describe someone or something without much body fat.

Connotation: Slender is often used as a way to describe someone who is both thin and attractive, while scrawny is often associated with weakness. Bony usually conjures up images of someone who is unattractive and hard-looking, while gaunt is often associated with hunger and malnutrition.

Denotation: These are all words to describe someone who is relaxed and not troubled by worries. Connotation: While serene and laid-back generally have positive connotations of someone who is calm and in control, lackadaisical and dreamy have more negative connotations of someone who is relaxed but unable to get important things done. Connotation: House has a pretty neutral connotation, and most people just associate it with the structure of the building.

Connotation: Both grin and beam have positive connotations and are generally associated with someone who is genuinely happy. Sneer has a negative connotation and is usually associated with someone being cruel or scornful, while simper also has a negative connotation, but is usually associated with someone weak or unintelligent. Denotation is the dictionary definition of a word, while connotation is the feelings associated with a word. While the denotation of a word is pretty cut and dry, one word can have many connotations for different people, and those connotations could be neutral, positive, or negative.

Compound sentences are an importance sentence type to know. Read our guide on compound sentences for everything you need to know about compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences. Thinking about taking an AP English class? Writing an essay for class? The connotation of a word or phrase is the associated or secondary meaning; it can be something suggested or implied by a word or thing, rather than being explicitly named or described.

Many people would agree that home connotes a sense of belonging and comfort, whereas house conveys little more than a structure. The connotation of a word depends on cultural context and personal associations, but the denotation of a word is its standardized meaning within the English language.

Feedback See Today's Synonym. Connotation refers to the meaning that is implied by the word, rather than its literal meaning. Words are usually associated personal and cultural meanings in addition to their primary, literal meaning. Connotation refers to this personal and cultural association. The literal meaning of the word implies an organ that pumps blood.

But heart connotes love. We can also see some differences between synonyms due to this concept of connotation. For example, the two words home and house denote the same thing, but home is associated with family, love, comfort and security whereas house is not.

Connotation is often described as being positive and negative.