l Denotation（外延，指称） and Connotation（内涵，言外之意）
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l To use the right word, you must be aware of its denotation and connotation. The denotation of a word is its dictionary meaning---the literal meaning that most readers would agree on. According to The Random House Dictionary, a "home“ is "a house, apartment，or other place of residence.” But “home" has other Meanings as well. Those meanings or associations are a word，a connotation, what it suggests or implies in the reader's mind. "Home." for instance, may suggest childhood，family memories, a sense of belonging, and other comforting thoughts.
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l The denotation of a word refers to its dictionary meanings, that is its literal meanings. The connotation of a word refers to its overtones, that is, its implied meanings.
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Denotative Meaning
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l A well-chosen word is worth a thousand pictures. It you want to select the word that expresses exactly what you intend to say, you must first of all understand its denotation; what it literally means. If you write notorious when you mean famous, or allusion (暗指)when you mean illusion(幻影，错觉), you may confuse your readers and cause them to doubt your ability of choosing the correct word.
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l The following is a list of easily confused words. Distinguish them with the help of your dictionary.
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l adopt----adapt feasible----possible
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l affect----effect immigrant-----emigrant
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l revolution-----evolution invaluable-----valueless
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l beside----besides loose----lose
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l censor----censure notable----notorious
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l gay(愉快的)----guy(家伙) principal----principle
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Connotative Meaning
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l We choose words for their literal as well as for their implied meanings. Whereas denotations are generally neutral, connotations may reflect feelings, attitudes and emotional overtones. The dictionary, for example, defines politician as one who actively engages in politics. But if you call your classmate "a real politician," you don't use its denotation. but connotation, the implied meaning. You most probably mean that your classmate is a smooth operator.
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l The meaning of a word is affected by its connotations and by its context ---the way it is used in a particular passage. Words can be correct in one situation but inappropriate in another because of their connotations. A well-known sequence of sentences makes this point clear:
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l I am determined
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l You are stubborn
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l He is pig-headed
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l Each means essentially the same thing, but most of us would probably prefer to be known m "determined" because of its "flavor" or connotation, particularly when contrasted with "stubborn" or "pig-headed.”
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l A word can be labeled commendatory（称赞的）, neutral, or derogatory（诽谤的） according to the subtle differences through which it distinguishes itself from its synonyms.
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l Notice the differences in tone in each group of sentences:
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l I am slender.
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l My sister is thin.
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l My neighbor is skinny.
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l
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l I am plump.
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l My sister is fat.
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l My neighbor is obese.
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l I am firm.
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l My sister is stubborn.
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l My neighbor is pig-headed.
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l Words in the first sentence of each group all have the most positive connotations, that is, they are all used in the commendatory sense, whereas words in the last sentence of each group all have the most negative connotations used in the derogatory sense. Words in the middle sentence of each group have the neutral connotations used in the neutral sense.
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l Many words have powerful political, sexist, or other social overtones. Because they may cause misunderstanding when used in the unsuitable situations, writers must be certain of their connotations before they decide to choose them.