Grammar Exercise on Denotation and Connotation |
您所在的位置:网站首页 › i with my parents am cooking › Grammar Exercise on Denotation and Connotation |
This exercise will help you distinguish between the denotative and connotative meanings of words. The denotative meaning of a word is the definition you'll find in the dictionary. There's not a lot of wiggle room when it comes to the interpretation of denotative words—which is why they're commonly used when it's important to ensure what you're writing or saying cannot either be misinterpreted or interpreted in more than one way, and the reason you'll often find denotative words in the language of things such as the legal documents, medical papers, scientific studies, and technical manuals (at least, the well-written ones). A connotative word, on the other hand, may have several meanings or nuances—some positive and some negative. Connotative words are the stuff of poetry, fiction, and even advertising. Rather than bringing to mind a concise image, connotative words are used to evoke a certain atmosphere or inspire feelings. InstructionsIn each of the following sentences, the italicized word has a fairly neutral connotation. For each word in italics, list two synonyms (words with similar denotations): one with a negative connotation and the other with a positive connotation. In addition to reviewing the glossary entries for denotation and connotation, you may find it helpful to read the introduction to Choosing the Best Words: Denotations and Connotations. Example:Sometimes my thin friend annoys me. Negative connotation: scrawnyPositive connotation: slimWhen you have completed the exercise, compare your answers with the sample responses that follow below. I recognized the familiar smell of my roommate's cooking.Scrapple is an inexpensive meal.Kevin's interest in model cars has turned into a hobby.Uncle Henry lives in a hut deep in the woods.Phileas Fogg was an adventurous traveler.We stopped for lunch at a diner in West Virginia.My parents are committed, conservationists.My old laptop has finally died.In a quiet and stealthy way, Bartleby moved into the lawyer's chambers.The teacher was mildly intimidated by Roland's assertive behavior. Sample Connotative ResponsesI recognized the familiar smell of my roommate's cooking. Negative connotation: stenchPositive connotation: aromaScrapple is an inexpensive meal. Negative connotation: cheapPositive connotation: thriftyKevin's interest in model cars has turned into a hobby. Negative connotation: obsession Positive connotation: avocationUncle Henry lives in a hut deep in the woods. Negative connotation: shackPositive connotation: cabinPhileas Fogg was an adventurous traveler. Negative connotation: foolhardyPositive connotation: courageousWe stopped for lunch at a diner in West Virginia. Negative connotation: greasy spoonPositive connotation: café or bistroMy parents are committed conservationists. Negative connotation: tree huggersPositive connotation: environmentalistsMy old laptop has finally died. Negative connotation: decrepitPositive connotation: venerableIn a quiet and stealthy way, Bartleby moved into the lawyer's chambers. Negative connotation: sneakyPositive connotation: cunningThe teacher was mildly intimated by Roland's assertive behavior. Negative connotation: bossyPositive connotation: confident |
CopyRight 2018-2019 办公设备维修网 版权所有 豫ICP备15022753号-3 |