Lesson 3: Connotation & Denotation
A Word's Real Meaning vs. Its Feeling
Every word has a dictionary definition. But is that its only meaning? Not always. Words also carry feelings, ideas, and cultural associations. Understanding the difference between a word's "official" meaning (denotation1) and its "feeling" (connotation2) is a very advanced skill.
Denotation vs. Connotation
Denotation is the literal, dictionary definition of a word. It is the basic meaning that everyone agrees on.
Connotation is the emotional, cultural, or social idea and feeling that a word suggests. Connotations can be positive (+), negative (-), or neutral (N).
Example 1: Describing a person's weight.
All these words have a similar denotation ('having little fat'), but their connotations are very different.
| Synonym | Connotation | Example & Implied Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| slender / slim | Positive (+) | The Apsara dancer was very slender. (This is a compliment, meaning thin in an attractive way). |
| thin | Neutral (N) | He is naturally very thin. (This is a neutral description of his body type). |
| skinny | Negative (-) | After he was sick, he looked very skinny. (This implies he is too thin, possibly in an unhealthy or unattractive way). |
Example 2: Describing a person's confidence.
All these words have a similar denotation ('sure of oneself'), but their feelings are very different.
| Synonym | Connotation | Example & Implied Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| confident | Positive (+) | A good leader should be confident. (A positive quality of self-belief). |
| proud | Neutral (N) / Negative (-) | She was proud of her high test score. (Positive) / He is too proud to ask for help. (Negative). |
| arrogant | Negative (-) | He is so arrogant; he never listens to anyone. (An insult, meaning they think they are better than others). |
Usage Note: Why Connotation Matters
Choosing a word with the wrong connotation can completely change the meaning of your sentence and can even offend people.
- "My friend is thrifty." ➞ This is a compliment. (She is smart with money).
- "My friend is cheap." ➞ This is an insult. (She is selfish with money).
Both words have a similar denotation (careful with money), but their connotations are opposites.
In Conversation
Srey and Bora carefully choose their words to describe a new manager.
Srey: My new manager is very confident. He gives very clear instructions and seems sure of his decisions.
Bora: That's good. My last manager was more than confident; he was arrogant. He never listened to anyone's ideas.
Srey: That's a difficult situation. The connotation of 'arrogant' is very negative.
Bora: Exactly. It's also like describing a person's weight. You can say someone is **thin**, which is neutral. But if you say they are **skinny**, it sounds like a criticism.
Srey: You're right. The denotation is similar, but the feeling is completely different. Choosing the right word is an important skill.
quiz Check Your Understanding
1. The literal, dictionary definition of a word is its ______.
- a) connotation
- b) denotation
- c) alphabet
Click to see the answer
Answer: b) denotation
2. Which word has the most NEGATIVE connotation?
- a) confident
- b) proud
- c) arrogant
Click to see the answer
Answer: c) arrogant
3. The model on the magazine cover was tall and ______. (Which word is a compliment?)
- a) skinny
- b) thin
- c) slender
Click to see the answer
Answer: c) slender
edit Your Mission
- My Word Choice: Think of a food you like. Write two sentences: one describing it as cheap (negative connotation) and one describing it as inexpensive (neutral connotation).
- Find the Nuance: The words `unique` and `strange` are synonyms. Use a learner's dictionary. What is the connotation of each word? Write one sentence for each.
- Speak with Nuance: Your mission is to describe a person or a thing to a friend. Use one word from the lesson and be prepared to explain why you chose that word over its synonym. (e.g., "I said thrifty, not cheap, because I think being careful with money is a smart quality.")
book Lesson Glossary
- Denotation (noun) - Khmer: ន័យត្រង់ - The literal, dictionary definition of a word. ↩
- Connotation (noun) - Khmer: ន័យแฝง / ន័យបញ្ជាក់ - The emotional, cultural, or social feeling that a word suggests. ↩
- Precise (adjective) - Khmer: ច្បាស់លាស់ - Exact and accurate in detail. ↩
- Nuance (noun) - Khmer: ភាពខុសគ្នា - A very small, subtle difference in meaning, feeling, or tone. ↩