Denotation and Connotation

5.10.2015

Connotation and Denotation

Connotation and Denotation are two principal methods of describing the meanings of words.In class we were asked to look up the difference between the two terms as although they initially may seem similar, they are very difference which help the audience to understand a film. 

Denotation:

Denotation is what something literally is, going by the dictionary meaning of the word. It is a logical word, using an objects pure meaning without any of the feeling or ideas that the words may suggest.

Connotation:

Connotations are the meaning that come along with a word, it is the added meaning to a specific object. The online dictionary describes connotation as, 'an idea or feeling which a word invokes for a person in addition to its literal or primary meaning.' This basically means that what a word initially may mean is changed depending on the circumstance that it is used in.

Example:

There are many different examples of different connotation as most objects have different meaning that can be associated with them. One of the most well known examples that is used within many different thrillers is the kitchen knife.  In everyday life a knife is used for cutting foods, it isn't seen as a threat.  However, when showing a knife in a thriller people automatically assume that the knife will be used as a weapon, and someone may get hurt by it. The use of connotation therefore help to build suspense as people are left wondering what the significance of the knife may be.

                       
                   Denotation                                                                                   Connotation