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Denotation and Connotation


  • Denotation refers to the literal meaning of a word, the "dictionary definition."¨ For example, if you look up the word snake in a dictionary, you will discover that one of its denotative meanings is "any of numerous scaly, legless, sometimes venomous reptiles, having a long, tapering, cylindrical body and found in most tropical and temperate regions."
  • Connotation, on the other hand, refers to the associations that are connected to a certain word or the emotional suggestions related to that word. The connotative meanings of a word exist together with the denotative meanings. The connotations for the word snake could include evil or danger.
  • You need to know the difference to be able to use them effectively.
  • Denotation is the basic ingredient of a term or a visual. Of a sign. That on which we all can agree.  Take a picture of a horse, for example. We can all agree, that it has a head, four legs and a tail. 
  • But the picture of a horse always has a second layer of meaning.

  • This second layer contains the picture’s connotation or connotations. Connotations are always multiple. A standing horse may connote steadiness and reliability. A running horse may connote speed, dynamics and progress. A dead horse may connote meat or fright.

  • I’ll give you two pictures shot in the same setting at The British Museum in London, UK, some years ago.
  • In general terms, the denotations in both pictures are approximately the same: people, staircase, marble and open space. But the connotations are quite different in the two pictures. 
  • In the picture below connotations could be described as “curious” or “alert”.
  • British Museum Staircase Standing

  •  In this picture connotations could be described as “playful”, “daring” or “courageous”.
  • The British Museum Running 
  • As mentioned, connotations are many more than those indicated above. You have a go at it, yourself! Describe some valid connotations 
  • I am sure that you get the “picture” of denotations and connotations. Pretty easy to understand, and a powerful pair it is 

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