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#113080 10/05/03 07:09 PM
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Can any of you take a stab at connotation?

How about using Nike's "swoosh" symbol and slogan "Just do it" as examples of "denotation" and "connotation" respectively?

What does the "swoosh" symbol denote?

What is the connotation of "Just do it"?

The kids know what "Just do it" connotes ... but it may not have the same connotation for them as it does for us.


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What we need is a good mnemonic for remembering which is which.

If I wrote about “dealing the Queen of Hearts”, I would be denoting a playing card; but the connotations might include references to feelings of love and so on.

Connotation is context;
Denotation is the deal itself.



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Cool mnemonic, Mav!

tsuwm--ha! You surprised me! Completely delightful bit of absurdity from you!


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Denotation is the definition, connotation is what they'll use to con you.

Bingley


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#113084 10/06/03 01:40 PM
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I just realized another example: verbal. Strictly speaking this word means of, or relating, to words, but when we say a verbal contract we mean a spoken agreement rather than a formal, written contract. So the denotation is "related to words" but the connotation is "oral rather than written."

from http://www.m-w.com
Main Entry: verbal
Pronunciation: 'v&r-b&l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French, from Late Latin verbalis, from Latin verbum word
Date: 15th century
1 a : of, relating to, or consisting of words <verbal instructions> b : of, relating to, or involving words rather than meaning or substance <a consistency that is merely verbal and scholastic -- B. N. Cardozo> c : consisting of or using words only and not involving action <a verbal protest>
2 : of, relating to, or formed from a verb <a verbal adjective>
3 : spoken rather than written <a verbal contract>



#113085 10/14/03 10:54 PM
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I always thought of the difference as Dennotation is from the dictionary and Connotation is how we connect to the word.
My favorite example is the difference between:
He claimed he was 18.
He stated he was 18.
He admitted he was 18.
In a dictionary the definitions aren't that different but our reaction to them is. I won't let my students right that a patient "claimed" to be in pain since the connotation is that the pain is not real.



#113086 10/15/03 12:57 AM
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Zed, that's wonderful, and welcome back! Do you know, I didn't even notice the word ouroboros till I saw your post. What's it mean? Alex?


#113087 10/15/03 03:56 AM
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In reply to:

I won't let my students right that a patient "claimed" to be in pain since the connotation is that the pain is not real.


If you think the connotation is wrong, why won't you let them right what they have written?

Bingley



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#113088 10/15/03 10:38 AM
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If you think the connotation is wrong

Now, Bingley. You know she meant I won't let my students ride that a patient "claimed"…


#113089 10/15/03 11:22 PM
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You must right one hundred lines.
I will use spell check.
Iwill use spell check.
I well use spill check.
I wull use splil check.
I will use spill chuck.



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