DENOTATION, CONNOTATION AND
IMPLICATION
A.DENOTATION
a.
Denotation Definition
Denotation is generally defined as
literal or dictionary meanings of a word in contrast
to its connotative or associated meanings. Let us try to understand this term
with the help of an example. If you search for meaning of the word “dove” in a
dictionary, you will see that its meaning is “a type of pigeon, a wild and
domesticated bird having a heavy body and short legs.” In literature, however,
you frequently see “dove” referred to as a symbol
of peace.
b.
Function of Denotation
Readers are familiar with denotations of words but
denotations are generally restricted meanings. Writers, therefore, deviate from
the denotative meanings of words to create fresh ideas and images that add
deeper levels of meanings to common and ordinary words. Readers find it
convenient to grasp the connotative meanings of words because of the fact that
they are familiar to their literal meanings.
c.
Example of denotation
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.
B. CONNOTATION
a.
Connotation Definition
Connotation refers to a meaning that is implied by
a word apart from the thing which it describes explicitly. Words carry cultural
and emotional associations or meanings in addition to their literal meanings or
denotations. For instance, “Wall Street” literally means a
street situated in Lower Manhattan but connotatively it refers to “wealth” and
“power”.
b.
Positive and Negative Connotations
Words may have positive or
negative connotations that depend upon the social, cultural and personal
experiences of individuals. For example, the words childish, childlike and
youthful have the same denotative but different connotative meanings. Childish
and childlike have a negative connotation as they refer to immature behavior of
a person. Whereas, youthful implies that a person is lively and energetic.
c.
Connotation Examples
Below are a few connotation examples.
Their suggested meanings are shaped by cultural and emotional associations:
·
A dog connotes shamelessness or an ugly face.
·
A dove implies peace or gentility.
·
Home suggests family, comfort and security.
d.
Function of Connotation
In literature, connotation paves way for creativity
by using figures of speech like metaphor, simile,
symbolism,
personification
etc. Had writers contented themselves with only the literal meanings, there
would have been no way to compare abstract ideas to concrete concepts in order
to give readers a better understanding .Therefore, connotative meanings of
words allow writers to add to their works, dimensions which are broader, more
vivid and fresher.
C. IMPLICATION
implication is meaning which a speaker or writer intends
but does not communicate directly. Where a listener is able to deduce or infer
the intended meaning from what has been uttered, this is known as
(conversational) implicature.
For example : A: We are late! à It is mean that
they must quickly.
References :
www.enotes.com ›
http://www.enotes.com/homework-help/explain-difference-between-denotation-connotation-114729
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