大学英语写作课件chapter3.pptVIP

III. The Meaning of Words 1) denotative(外延) A word’s denotation is what it literally means, as defined by the dictionary. 2）connotative（内涵） A word’s connotation is the feeling or idea suggested by it. e.g.1 p13 Country, nation, state, land (国家) Country: refers to an area of land and its population and government. Nation: emphasizes the people of a country. State: refers to the government or political organization of a country. Land: less precise but more literary and emotive. An island country; neighboring countries A peace-loving nation; the awakening nations of Africa State organs; state-owned enterprises China is my native land e.g.2 He put his head in his hands and began to cry. I know I’m going to weep at the airport. There was a girl sitting and sobbing in the corner. The women gathered around the coffin and began to wail, as was the custom in the region. e.g.3 After vacillating for as long as he could and taking refuge in the supposed ambiguities of the state constitution, the mayor has finally yielded to pressure and agreed to try to do something. After careful examination of the constitutional and other issues involved, the mayor, responding to the people’s wishes, has announced that he will take immediate action. Referential or Emotive Words referential words words that are only symbols, names, for things or ideas. e.g. The house is small. (not big) Emotive words words that contain people’s feelings or emotions about things or ideas. e.g. Oh, what a little house. (not just small, but also sweet, cute, desirable.) Complimentary or pejorative words Modest vs. humble Modest and hardworking, he made very quick progress at school. Clearly Gompers was overawed by Wilson. His face took on a servile look; his voice was humble. Complimentary pejorative * *