Skip to main content

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 

Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

“The Eyes are not here” by Ruskin Bond - 60 MCQ, 30 single line question and 10 Long question

  1. The story The Eyes Have It is written by — (a) APJ Abdul Kalam. (b) Langston Hughes. (c) Ruskin Bond. (d) Leo Tolstoy. 2. The narrator's first co-passenger was a/an — (a) young boy. (b) old lady. (c) young girl.  (d) child. 3. The narrator was alone in the train compartment up to — (a) Rohana. (b) Dehra. (c) Saharanpur. (d) Mussoorie. 4. The couple who saw the girl off were probably —  (a) her parents.  (b) uncle and aunt. (c) grandfather and grandmother. (d) friends. 5. The couple who saw the girl off seemed very anxious about her —  (a) health. (b) destination. (c) comfort. (d) blindness. 6. At that time the narrator was — (a) completely blind. (b) partly blind. (c) seriously ill. (d) suffering from fever. 7. The girl in the story The Eyes Have It was wearing — (a) slippers. (b) shoes. (c) a skirt. (d) a sweater. 8. The first question that the narrator asked the girl was If she was all the way to —  (a) Rohana. (b) Saharanpur. (c) Deh...
Read more

Objectives of Verbal Communication:

  Objectives of Verbal Communication: Verbal communication is a crucial aspect of human interaction. It involves the use of spoken or written words to convey messages, information, and ideas. The objectives of verbal communication can vary depending on the context, but generally include: Information Sharing : One of the primary objectives of verbal communication is to convey information. This can range from sharing facts and data in a formal presentation to casual conversations about everyday matters. Clarity and Precision : Effective verbal communication aims to be clear and precise. It should eliminate any ambiguity or misunderstanding by using well-structured sentences and appropriate vocabulary. Understanding and Comprehension : The goal is not only to transmit information but to ensure that the message is understood by the recipient. This involves using language that the audience can relate to and comprehend. Persuasion and Influence : Verbal communication can be used to persu...
Read more

Advantages and disadvantages of non-verbal communication

There is a proverb “Actions speak louder than words.” In essence, this underscores the importance of non-verbal communication. Non-verbal communication is especially significant in intercultural situations. Researchers in communication suggest that many more feelings and intentions are sent and received non-verbally than verbally. Mehrabian and wiener following suggested that only 7 % of message is sent through words, with remaining 93% sent non-verbal expressions (depending on the author, verbal part goes up to 35%). It has multiple advantages or functions: ADVANTAGES OF NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION: Complementary : Non-verbal cues complement a verbal message by adding to its meaning. You can pat someone you offended at the back as you say sorry to him or her. Easy presentation : Information can be easily presented in non-verbal communication through using visual, audio-visual and silent means of non-verbal communication. Substituting : Non-verbal message may substitute for the ve...
Read more