connotation

Examples of connotation in the following topics:

• Using the Dictionary and Thesaurus Effectively

  • Connotation is the extended or suggested meaning of a word beyond its literal meaning.
  • For example, "flatfoot" and "police detective" are often thought to be synonyms, but they connote very different things: "flatfoot" suggests a plodding, perhaps not very bright cop, while "police detective" suggests an intelligent professional.
  • Verbs, too, have connotations.
  • The connotations of your words can shape your audience's perception of your argument.
  • Being aware of the connotation and register of the words you choose in your writing will help increase your writing's clarity.

• The Importance of Wording

  • Knowing the difference between the denotation, or literal meaning of words, and connotation, or the wide range of thoughts and impressions made by words or phrases, will improve academic writing.
  • You may be unaware of the connotation of some words in addition to their literal meaning.
  • The connotation of home varies from person to person.

• Avoiding Repetitiveness

  • Pay attention to the connotation of synonyms.

• Introducing Objections Informally

  • Argument as it is depicted on television and experienced in times of stress or conflict carries with it many negative connotations of anger, high emotion, and even irrationality.

• Reading Carefully and Closely

  • The connotations of certain words can also tell you a lot about how the author feels about the topic.

• Varying Your Sentence Structure and Vocabulary

  • Check the connotations of synonyms by looking up their definitions.

• Active Voice vs. Passive Voice

  • It is important to understand the connotations of both active and passive voice, therefore, so your sentences don't sound odd or out of context.

• Modes of Persuasion: Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

  • What are the connotations of the chosen words versus their synonyms?