Etymology
Key Terms:
Etymology- the origin of a word and the historical development of its meaning
Denotation- dictionary definition
Example: Discipline- the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior
Connotation- ideas or feelings associated with a word
Example: Discipline- the word “discipline” has unhappy connotations of punishment and repression.
Tips…
· Look up the definition of your abstract noun in a dictionary. The etymology can be found under Origin. In addition to the definition and the root, please include…
- the date(s) of origin
- the language(s) of origin
- the original form(s) of the word
* In some cases, you may need to look up the adjective form of the word.
· Also include the connotative meaning of your concept and how it relates to the denotative meaning. This should be written in your own words, in complete sentences, and should be about a paragraph in length.
Example:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joy
Resources:
Merriam Webster Online Dictionary
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary
Dictionary.com
http://dictionary.reference.com/
Etymology Online
http://www.etymonline.com/
You may live in a house, but we live in a home.
House and Home have similar denotations, but different connotations.
What is the connotation of home?
(What feelings are associated with the word?)
- love, comfort, security…
Denotation of Slender and Scrawny: Thin
Connotation of Scrawny:
Connotation of Slender: