On your paper, write D if the word in italics has a denotative meaning and C if connotative. 1. We plant a *fruit tree* in our community every year. 2. Be a role model to your younger sibling and try to plant in them the value of *patience*. 3. Don't be a *tiger*. Everyone is afraid of you. 4. The master turned into *ice* as he watched the python coil around his dog's body. 5. Rain usually falls unceasingly during the months of July, August, and September. 6. Scientists arrange the species in the plant kingdom in order from simplest to the most *complex*. 7. The teacher's *kingdom* included twelve smart kids in a truly colorful room. 8. As Grandfather approaches old age, the *twilight* of his life begins.
Answer (1)
In the study of English, words can have both denotative and connotative meanings.
Denotative meaning refers to the literal, dictionary definition of a word. Connotative meaning, on the other hand, involves the emotional or cultural associations beyond the dictionary definition.
Let's analyze each sentence to determine whether the italicized word is used denotatively (D) or connotatively (C):
Fruit tree : In this context, 'fruit tree' is used in its literal sense as a type of tree that produces fruit. So, it is denotative (D).
Patience : Here, 'patience' refers to an abstract quality being taught to someone. It's about the associated value rather than a literal object, making it connotative (C).
Tiger : The word 'tiger' here implies being fierce or intimidating, not literally being a tiger. Thus, it's used connotatively (C).
Ice : This doesn't refer to the physical state of water turning into ice but to a metaphorical sense of being cold or unfeeling, so it is connotative (C).
Rain : 'Rain' is used to describe precipitation as it commonly occurs during certain months. This is literal and denotative (D).
Complex : When mentioning the 'complex' nature of plant species, it refers to their structure and organization, a literal application. Hence, it's denotative (D).
Kingdom : The term 'kingdom' here metaphorically describes the teacher's environment of students and classroom. This is not a literal kingdom, making it connotative (C).
Twilight : 'Twilight' is used to describe a metaphorical period at the end of someone's life. Thus, it is connotative (C).
Understanding these differences helps in interpreting texts more accurately and appreciating the nuances of language.
