Denotation and connotation

This word has distinct meanings in other fields: see denotation (semiotics) and connotation and denotation.

• In media-studies terminology, denotation is the first level of analysis: what the audience can visually see on a page. Denotation often refers to something literal, and avoids being a metaphor. Here it is usually coupled with connotation which is the second level of analysis, being what the denotation represents

• In logic, linguistics and semiotics, a denotation of a word or phrase is a part of its meaning; however, several parts of meaning may take this name, depending on the contrast being drawn:

• • Connotation and denotation are either
    • in basic semantics and literary theory, the figurative and literal meanings of a word, or
    • in philosophy, logic and parts of linguistics, the intension and extension of a word

• • Denotation can be synonymous with reference in the sense and reference in philosophy of language.

• In Computer science, denotational semantics is contrasted with operational semantics.

• In Semiotics, denotation also has its own meaning.

In logic and semantics, denotational always attracts the extension meaning "in the pair", but the other element genuinely varies. See intension for some more discussion.

A denotation is the strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of any emotion, attitude, or colour.

Denotation often links with symbolism, as the denotation of a particular media text often represents something further; a hidden meaning (or an Engima Code) is often encoded into a media text (such as the images below).

In order to understand fully the difference between denotation and connotation in the media studies and semiotics uses it is necessary to become familiar with some examples:

Examples

Example one. The denotation of this example is a red rose with a green stem. The connotation is that is a symbol of passion and love - this is what the rose represents.

Example two. The denotation is a brown cross. The connotation is a symbol of religion, according to the media connotation. However, to be more specific this is a symbol of Christianity.

Example three. The denotation is a representation of a cartoon heart. The connotation is a symbol of love and affection, not in the way of a rose, but a symbol of true love.

For the more specialised meaning of "Connotation" in semiotics, see connotation (semiotics).

Definition

A subjective cultural and/or emotional coloration in addition to the explicit or denotative meaning of any specific word or phrase in a language.

Usage

Within contemporary society, connotation branches into a culmination of different meanings. These could include the contrast of a word or phrase with its primary, literal meaning (known as a denotation), with what that word or phrase specifically denotes. The connation essesentially relates to how anything may be associated with a word or phrase, for example, an implied value judgement or feelings.

• A stubborn person may be described as being either strong-willed or pig-headed. Although these have the same literal meaning (i.e. stubborn), strong-willed connotes admiration for someone's convictions, while pig-headed connotes frustration in dealing with someone. Likewise, used car and previously owned car have the same literal meaning, but many dealerships prefer the latter, since it is thought to have fewer negative connotations.
• It is often useful to avoid words with strong connotations (especially disparaging ones) when striving to achieve a neutral point of view. A desire for more positive connotations, or fewer negative ones, is one of the main reasons for using euphemisms.

Logic

In logic and in some branches of semantics, connotation is more or less synonymous with intension. Connotation is often contrasted with denotation, which is more or less synonymous with extension. A word's denotation is the collection of things it refers to; its connotation is what it implied about the things it is used to refer to. So, the denotation of dog is just the collection of all the dogs that exist. The connotation of dog is (something like) four-legged canine carnivore. Alternatively, the connotation of the word may be thought of as the set of all its possible referents (as opposed to merely the actual ones). So saying "You are a dog" would imply that you were ugly or aggressive rather than stating that you were canine.

References

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• http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072407093/student_view0/chapter7/glossary.html

See also

• Comprehension (logic)
• Extension
• Extensional definition
• Intension
• Intensional definition
• Metacommunicative competence
• Subtext

External links

• Connotations of problem solving
• myCONNOTATION.org, the first subjective dictionary and collaborative word connotation database

External links

• Semiotics for Beginners
• VirtuaLit Elements of Poetry

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• Connotation  ^history

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