Denotation is generally defined as literal or dictionary meanings of a word in contrast to its connotative or associated meanings.
For example :
Were Juliet to look up the word 'rose' in the dictionary, she would find something like, 'a bush or shrub that produces flowers, usually red, pink, white or yellow in color.' Similarly, street names, like Sistrunk Boulevard or Northeast Sixth Street, tell people where they are and help them get to where they want to go.
Denotation Example in Literature :
“And on a day we meet to walk the lineIn the above lines, the word “wall” is used to suggest a physical boundary which is its denotative meaning but it also implies the idea of “emotional barrier”.
And set the wall between us once again.
We keep the wall between us as we go.
To each the boulders that have fallen to each.”
2.CONNOTATION
The connotation of a word refers to the emotional or cultural association with that word rather than its dictionary definition. The connotation definition is therefore not the explicit meaning of the word, but rather the meaning that the word implies.
Connotation comes from the Latin word “connotare,” which means, “to mark in addition.”
In some cases, connotation can also be similar to symbolism as it hinges on culturally-accepted meanings. For example, the connotation of a red rose is love and passion, and if an author were to refer to a red rose while talking about a relationship, the reader would understand that this connotation and symbolism was at play. However, there are many cases of connotation that don’t use symbolism, as shown below in the “Examples of Connotation in Common Speech” section.
Difference Between Connotation and Denotation
Connotation and denotation are opposite concepts. The denotation of a word is its literal meaning, whereas the connotation is an implicit meaning. As a mnemonic to remember the difference, it can be helpful to note that “denotation” and “dictionary definition” all start with the same letter.Examples of Connotation in Common Speech
There are many words that can be understood as synonyms with the same definition, yet their connotations are notable different. For example:- “House” versus “Home”: Both words refer to the structure in which a person lives, yet “home” connotes more warmth and comfort, whereas “house” sounds colder and more distant.
- “Cheap” versus “Affordable”: While both words mean that something does not cost a lot, “cheap” can also connote something that it not well-made or of low value, while “affordable” can refer to a quality item or service that happens to be well-priced.
- “Riots” versus “Protests”: The difference between these two words is that “riots” connotes a violent gathering of people who are not necessarily in the right, while “protests” can have a more peaceful connotation and is often used when there is sympathy with the protesters.
Significance of Connotation in Literature
Connotation plays a role in almost every type of communication, as it adds nuance and more subtle meaning. Authors use connotation to allow the readers to infer more meaning than there is explicitly written on the page, making the readers more active parts of the interpretive process.Example of Connotation in Literature
My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun;3.IMPLICATION
Coral is far more red than her lips’ red;
If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun;
If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.
Definition of implication
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: a possible future effect or result
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: something that is suggested without being said directly : something that is implied
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: the fact or state of being involved in or connected to something (such as a crime) : the fact or state of being implicated in something
Implication Sentence Example :
Lisa ignored his crude implication and kept her attention on his mother.
If the five ascetics to whom the words were addressed once admitted this implication, logic would drive them also to admit all that followed.
