Easy Connotation and Denotation Examples

By jennifer.reid1 | Updated: March 26, 2025, 6:28 p.m.

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The terms denotation and connotation are easily confused. Let's explore the meaning of each, and how to look for connotations correctly. This can help in language analysis. Especially for GCSE English Language.

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Denotation:  what a word denotes is its literal meaning

Connotation:  the association - feeling / idea a word evokes
& how to use these terms correctly
Connotations
&
Denotations
made simple

Denotation:
the literal meaning i.e. dictionary definition of a word
sun:  the picture denotes the sun, as does the word.  A star that the earth orbits around that gives light and warmth.

Denotation:
the literal meaning i.e. dictionary definition of a word
tree:  the picture denotes a tree, as does the word tree.  A woody plant with one root or stem and branches.
Connotation:  the idea or feeling that a word brings.  
Over time, words can come to have new associations; they can have positive, negative or neutral connotations.
Consider the sun...
Consider a tree... 
may connote life, growth, health.
a tall leafy tree might connote nature, strength, age or wisdom.  
enthusiastic
positive
connotes a person with a good attitude who will put the work in and not grumble
childish
denotation
behaviour of a child or like a child
childish
negative connotation
connotes an adult with an immature attitude or immature behaviour
ancient
Denotes:  something that belongs to the very distant past - to a past era.

ancient
Can the terms old, old fashioned or antiquated be connotations of ancient?

No

These terms are just words with a similar meaning.
(synonyms)
"ancient"
Let's consider it in the context of a story to make it easier...
"She pulled aside the ancient cloth.  
She gasped.  There it was."
"ancient"
Ancient in this context connotes...
Well, remember the context:  
"She pulled aside the ancient cloth and gasped  There it was."
mysterious
undiscovered
hidden long ago
lost / forgotten
mythological
a buried artefact or treasure?
"lamb"
Lamb denotes:  a baby sheep  or meat, such as chops

What about the connotations?

In Roald Dahl's "Lamb to the Slaughter" lamb is a deliberate word choice because of its connotations.  This makes the title more dramatic and increases our sense of horror.

Connotations:  innocence   sacrifice
Denotation:  what a word denotes is its literal meaning

Connotation:  the association - feeling / idea a word evokes

Easy Connotation and Denotation Examples

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