Denotation and Connotation

Connotation and Denotation are two principal methods of describing the meanings of words.

Connotation refers to the wide array of positive and negative associations that most words naturally carry with them, whereas denotation is the precise, literal definition of a word that might be found in a dictionary.

 

Examples;
Denotation;
- Blonde hair
Connotation;
- 'Dumb blonde, jealousy...

Denotation;
- House, home, residence all mean the same thing but all have different connotations.
Connotation;
- Home: cosy, loving, comfortable
- House: the actual building or structure
- Residence: cold, no feeling