» » How denotative versus connotative meaning treated as a barriers of Communication

How denotative versus connotative meaning treated as a barriers of Communication

How denotative versus connotative meaning treated as a barriers of Communication?

A receiver and sender may attach different meanings to the words used in a message. The denotative meaning is the literal or dictionary meaning. The connotative meaning includes associations and feelings evoked by the word. The connotative meaning can also be the result of slang or sarcasm. Senders should analyze their receivers as thoroughly as possible. In addition, sender should be careful to avoid words with negative connotations.

How denotative versus connotative meaning treated as a barriers of Communication?




Consider dirt a word that has many connotations. A disapproving parent remarks , “just look at you, you are covered in dirt. An investigative report tells the editors, “I have uncovered some interesting dirt that official.” The term house is a denotative. Mansion, villa, home, cottage and shack though they all denote a place of residence also have connotative meaning. The word student is denotative, bookworm and dropout are connotative.


To communicate effectively you must be aware of the connotative meaning of your words choose words that have fewer connotations ( to reduce the chance of offending your audience)

What are the Communication Problems in conventions of meaning?