#Denotation

[infinitysisters]

"The truth is not simply that words originally innocent tend to acquire a bad sense. The truth is that words originally descriptive tend to become terms either of mere praise or of mere blame.

The vocabulary of flattery and insult is continually enlarged at the expense of the vocabulary of definition. As old horses go to the knacker's yard, or old ships to the breakers, so words in their last decay go to swell the enormous list of synonyms for good and bad.

𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐱𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞

This process is going on very rapidly at the moment. The words 'abstract' and 'concrete' were first coined to express a distinction which is really necessary to thought: but it is only for the very highly educated that they still do so.

In popular language 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘦 now means something like "clearly defined and practicable"; it has become a term of praise.

𝘈𝘣𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵 means "vague, shadowy, unsubstantial"; it has become a term of reproach.

𝘔𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘯, in the mouths of many speakers, has ceased to be a chronological term ; it has "sunk into a good sense" and often means little more than "efficient" or in some contexts "kind" ;

𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 can no longer be used in its proper sense without explanation.

𝘗𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 is a mere term of approval;

To save any word from the eulogistic and dyslogistic abyss is a task worth the efforts of all who love the English language. And I can think of one word—the word 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘯—which is at this moment on the brink.

That is always the trouble about allowing words to slip into the abyss. Once turn 𝘴𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘦 into a mere insult, and you need a new word (pig) when you want to talk about the animal. Once let 𝘴𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘮 dwindle into a useless synonym for cruelty, and what do you do when you have to refer to the highly special perversion which actually afflicted M. de Sade?

It is important to notice that the danger to the word "Christian" comes not from its open enemies, but from its friends.

It was not egalitarians, it was officious admirers of gentility, who killed the word 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘯. The other day I had occasion to say that certain people were not Christians; a critic asked how I dared say so, being unable (as of course I am) to read their hearts. I had used the word to mean "persons who profess belief in the specific doctrines of Christianity"; my critic wanted me to use it in what he would (rightly) call "a far deeper sense"—a sense so deep that no human observer can tell to whom it applies.

And is that deeper sense not more important? It is indeed ; just as it was more important to be a "real" gentleman than to have coat-armour. But the most important sense of a word is not always the most useful. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝'𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?

And when, however reverently, you have killed a word you have also, as far as in you lay, blotted from the human mind the thing that word originally stood for.

𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐚𝐲."

＿＿＿＿

C.S. Lewis, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴

September 22, 1944

[withinthebrain]

Play Fair

I was five when I heard the yelling, "Cheating!" my mother’s voice screeched like my pet parrot. But we weren’t playing a board game. And I was alone in the kitchen, just cold spaghetti on the counter. Father’s silence was unusual, and then a door slammed, too hard. It felt like something in me cracked. I didn’t understand. How do you cheat when no one's playing?

At ten, I whispered the answer "Catastrophe" to Ben, because he always let me copy his math homework, and we shared peanut butter crackers and secrets about monsters under our beds. The teacher called it cheating. But I said, "It’s not cheating to help a friend." Still, she marked my name with a red pen that bled through the paper and that crack of guilt grew deeper.

At sixteen, I learned the other kind of cheating, the kind that five year old me had never grasped. The kind that doesn’t come with test scores or teacher scowls, just the susurrus of gossip in the halls, and my girlfriend’s selfish laugh the truth spilling from my best friend's mouth. I asked her if it was true. She didn’t deny it. "It didn’t mean anything," she said, but it meant everything to me.

Now I’m thirty. Married. Two kids. Two jobs. A life of comfort, but most days I just don't feel like me. Her phone lights up with a name I don’t recognize. She turns it over. I turn away.

And here, back in the kitchen, the hum of the fridge drowning the silence. I catch my reflection in the dark glass of the window. I look tired. Like someone who’s played fair for too long. And I wonder... Is it worth the cheating?

[daniellefso]

BLOG #1 (RDL 2)

SO, Danielle Francesca P.

GR. 12-E ABM

@kim1643philo

[yasujewels]

Jewel Desirose R. De Mayo // 12-J HUMSS @kim1643philo

BAMBOOZLE

Denotation: to deceive by underhanded method or to confuse or throw off thoroughly or completely

Connotation: typically means to deceive or get the better of someone in a cunning or dishonest way. It implies the sense of confusion or bewilderment caused by deception.

SERENDIPITY

Denotation: the occurrence of fortunate or unexpected events by chance, often leading to pleasant and beneficial outcomes.

Connotation: generally positive and carries a sense of happy coincidence, luck, or the discovery of something delightful unexpectedly. It often implies the feeling of joy or contentment associated with fortunate and unplanned events.

INKLING

Denotation: a slight or vague understanding of something.

Connotation: typically neutral or slightly positive. It suggests a sense of curiosity, anticipation, or a faint awareness about something, which can be intriguing or pique one's interest.

EPIPHANY

Denotation: a sudden, profound realization or insight, often accompanied by a sense of clarity or enlightenment.

Connotation: overwhelmingly positive. It carries the sense of transformative and enlightening experience where someone gains profound understandings or insight.

SASHAYING

Denotation: to walk or to move in an elegant, confident, and often exaggerated or flamboyant manner, typically characterized by graceful or swaying movements of the hips and body.

Connotation: generally positive and can imply a sense of confidence, elegance, or even a touch of playfulness.

[biggest-gaudiest-patronuses]

am taking perverse pleasure in reminding people it's 2025. that's a star trek year. silly little science fiction number. except it's happening, and DANG ain't it underwhelming!

[bluemanedhawk]

When people say that they're disgusted by something, do they mean it in the same way every time? Do there exist people for whom, say, gory imagery produces the same physiological response as rotten foot?

[giorgiadigitalmedia]

Blog Post 4

Connotation and Denotation Exercise on "Affairs of the Art"

In his essay "Rhetoric of the Image" (in Image-Music-Text, 1977), Roland Barthes addresses the concepts of connotation (cultural or symbolic meaning) and denotation (literal meaning) by breaking down how images communicate meaning in a detailed semiotic analysis. Denotation, according to Barthes, refers to the literal and primary meaning of an image. It is the direct representation of what the image depicts, almost as if it were the purest reflection of reality, resulting in something completely neutral. However, this is not always true because the image maker always has to make choices on what to represent and how to do it... therefore losing complete neutrality. Connotation, on the other hand, refers to the secondary, culturally, or ideologically loaded meanings attached to an image. The connotative meaning is connected to the image's use of colors, composition, and symbols that rely on the audience's knowledge and experiences to be interpreted. Connotations are created by what Barthes calls "codes", which vary depending on the eyes that are studying the image. As a matter of fact, these cultural frameworks are created by viewers to make sense of the image that they are looking at (Barthes, 1957).

In this blog post, I will be exploring the connotative and denotative aspects of an animated piece called "Affairs of the Art" by Joanna Quinn and Les Mills.

Denotation:

This work of art is a 2D hand-drawn animation which talks about art, passions and obsessions. It is probably more accessible for an adult audience and it is set in modern times.

Connotation:

Right from the start we understand that the animation is going to be based on the concept of art and obsessions. We see a family who portrays different kinds of soft “addictions” (stuffed animals, insects, screws, trains, political parties, body modifications, rotting food, decaying bodies etc…). The protagonist, a 59-year old woman, has always been obsessed with art but has never tried actually developing that aspect of her life. She lives her whole life observing from a corner the weird older sister, who is not afraid to show her quirkiness and her peculiarities. She both fears and admires her. It seems that the “disturbed” genes come from their grandma who used to collect varieties of things.

Another interesting character is her son, who definitely shows some signs of autism in my opinion. He is precise, shows interest in very distinct things and doesn’t really know how to handle emotions, but he’s not afraid to show what he is and to embrace it. 

Being surrounded by all these free-spirited people in her life, the main character feels pressured to let her creativity loose and starts giving up. However, it takes a lot of courage to embrace her artistic “career” and she starts feeling doubtful about everything. Themes like nostalgia of the past, fear of missing out and anxiety for the future start appearing in the short. The movie also talks about the power of judgment and the struggle of not being able “to fit in” and be understood, even by someone very close to us. As a matter of fact, especially at the beginning, her husband doesn’t really get the whole idea behind the wife’s new obsession. Sure, he participates because forced to do so, but he sometimes makes her feel wrong and lets some unhappy thoughts shine through.

A few very interesting topics are being represented in the movie, besides the very obvious ones. First of all, the main character is a woman… which is never something to take for granted. Sure, it’s a modern animation produced by a woman, but I still appreciate the choice. Moreover, it talks about a woman in her late 50s who decides to turn her life upside down, which cannot be assumed and plausible in all contexts. Secondly, it is pretty explicit therefore not accessible for all audiences. Nudity is never displayed in a sexual way, in fact it seems to add more comedy and personality to the different personas. Lastly, the subject of death appears a couple of times during the whole storyline. First with the death of a little mouse, victim of the sister’s experiments, and second the grandma. It’s never easy to talk about something like this, yet I think the directors found a way to make it perceivable in a lighter and almost comic way.

Overall, I think the main theme gravitates around acceptance. If we think about it, it takes way less time for the protagonist to accept the quirkinesses of her family than embracing her own.

I particularly enjoyed this animation because it’s something different from the rest. Besides the amazing talent of the artist and the fact that it’s all hand-drawn, which adds even more value to it, it talks about very interesting and deep topics which are being discussed in today’s world. The fact that, because of the very rough-looking lines, it almost looks unfinished makes it even more appealing to me. From other interviews about the same work, I can tell that the artists didn’t care much about the form, as well as about the meaning behind it…although not in such a deep way. Sure, the themes that appear are serious and very contemporary, but they are being represented in a very comic way. As an animator, I believe it is always good to take a look at different examples and get inspiration…and well, this definitely inspired me!  

Reference list:

Barthes, R. (1977). Image, Music, Text. London: Fontana Press.

Barthes, R. (1957). Mythologies. New York: The Noonday Press.

The New Yorker (2021). 2022 Oscar-Nominated Short: ‘Affairs of the Art’ | The New Yorker Screening Room. YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAX9_rDvO_c [Accessed 18 Aug. 2022].

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of Connotation and Denotation

The philosophy of connotation and denotation deals with the ways in which words and expressions convey meaning. These concepts are central to semantics, the study of meaning in language, and are used to distinguish between the literal or direct meaning of a term (denotation) and the associated or implied meanings that the term evokes (connotation).

Key Concepts:

Denotation:

Literal or Primary Meaning: Denotation refers to the direct, explicit meaning of a word—the specific object, idea, or concept that the word points to. It is the "dictionary definition" of a term, the meaning that is universally understood and unambiguous.

Objective Reference: Denotation is concerned with the objective relationship between a word and what it refers to in the real world. For example, the word "rose" denotes a type of flower.

Connotation:

Associated or Implied Meanings: Connotation involves the secondary, associated meanings that a word carries in addition to its denotation. These meanings can be emotional, cultural, or contextual, and they often evoke certain feelings, associations, or images.

Subjective and Contextual: Unlike denotation, connotation is more subjective and can vary depending on the context, culture, or individual interpretation. For instance, the word "rose" may connote romance, beauty, or love.

Importance in Language and Communication:

Nuances of Meaning: Understanding the difference between denotation and connotation is crucial for grasping the full meaning of language. Words with the same denotation can have very different connotations, which can affect how they are perceived or interpreted.

Cultural and Emotional Significance: Connotations are heavily influenced by cultural context and can carry significant emotional weight. For example, the word "home" denotes a place of residence, but it may connote warmth, security, and family.

Examples in Language:

Positive and Negative Connotations: Words can have positive, negative, or neutral connotations even when their denotations are similar. For example, "childlike" (positive connotation: innocence) vs. "childish" (negative connotation: immaturity).

Synonyms with Different Connotations: Consider the words "slim" and "skinny." Both denote a thin person, but "slim" often has a positive connotation (attractiveness), while "skinny" can have a negative connotation (underweight or unhealthy).

Philosophical Implications:

Meaning and Interpretation: Philosophers and linguists have explored how connotation and denotation affect meaning and communication. The distinction helps in understanding how language can influence thought, perception, and behavior.

Semiotics and Symbolism: The study of connotation and denotation is also relevant in semiotics, the study of signs and symbols. Denotation relates to the literal signified meaning, while connotation involves the symbolic or cultural meanings attached to a sign.

Applications in Literature and Rhetoric:

Literary Analysis: In literature, connotation plays a key role in the interpretation of texts, where the choice of words can convey deeper meanings and evoke emotions beyond their literal sense.

Rhetorical Strategies: Speakers and writers often choose words with specific connotations to persuade, influence, or evoke certain responses from their audience.

Challenges and Criticisms:

Ambiguity and Miscommunication: The connotative meanings of words can lead to ambiguity or miscommunication, especially in cross-cultural contexts where different connotations might be attached to the same word.

Evolving Meanings: Connotations can change over time as cultural and social contexts evolve, making it challenging to pin down the exact connotative meaning of a word across different eras or societies.

The philosophy of connotation and denotation provides a framework for understanding the complexities of meaning in language. While denotation gives us the direct, literal meaning of a word, connotation enriches language by adding layers of associated or implied meaning. This distinction is essential for effective communication, literary analysis, and the study of semantics and semiotics. Understanding how words can carry different connotations helps in interpreting language more fully and appreciating its nuanced impact on thought and culture.

[lycanthrop-ee-art]

i love revachol so much i letterpressed her

[sobachyakukla]

the winner: "only sophia would do this. only sophia would say this. admit it hannah noel, you're sophia, the fallen angel. you've even modeled yourself after the would-be child of Christ & Magdalene."

it's gonna be a real brute force kind of night

[bloseroseone]

Connotation and Denotation: Meaning, Examples & Difference

In the intricate tapestry of language, words serve as both tools and artists, weaving nuanced meanings through connotation and denotation. This exploration delves into the dynamic interplay of these linguistic elements, unravelling their significance, providing examples, and elucidating the subtle yet impactful differences.....Click here to read more

[phonemantra-blog]

The Meaning of the 99 Names of Allah and Their Benefits Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the meaning of the 99 names of Allah and their benefits. In this article, we will explore the profound significance behind each of these names and how they can positively impact our lives. By understanding the essence of these names, we can deepen our connection with Allah and seek His blessings. The 99 Names of Allah Allah, the Most Merciful and the Most Compassionate has revealed 99 names in the Holy Quran that encompass His divine attributes. Each name reflects a unique aspect of His nature and serves as a reminder of His infinite power and wisdom. These names are not mere labels but hold deep spiritual significance.  Ar-Rahman (The Most Gracious) Ar-Rahman signifies Allah's boundless mercy and compassion towards His creation. By invoking this name, we seek His mercy and blessings in our lives. It reminds us of His infinite love and forgiveness. Ar-Rahim (The Most Merciful) Ar-Rahim highlights Allah's continuous mercy and compassion. It emphasizes His willingness to forgive and shower His blessings upon those who seek His guidance. By understanding this name, we can find solace in His mercy and strive to be merciful towards others. Al-Malik (The Sovereign) Al-Malik represents Allah's absolute sovereignty and kingship over the entire universe. This name reminds us that He is the ultimate ruler and has complete control over all affairs. By recognizing His sovereignty, we can submit ourselves to His will and find peace in His guidance. Al-Quddus (The Holy) Al-Quddus signifies Allah's absolute purity and perfection. He is free from any imperfections or flaws. By contemplating on this name, we can strive for purity in our thoughts, actions, and intentions, and seek His divine guidance to purify our hearts. As-Salam (The Source of Peace) As-Salam represents Allah as the ultimate source of peace and tranquility. By invoking this name, we seek inner peace and harmony in our lives. It reminds us to strive for peace with ourselves, others, and the world around us. Al-Mu'min (The Guardian of Faith) Al-Mu'min signifies Allah as the guardian of faith and the One who grants security to His believers. By understanding this name, we can strengthen our faith and trust in Him, knowing that He is the ultimate protector and sustainer. Al-Muhaymin (The Protector) Al-Muhaymin represents Allah as the ultimate protector and witness of all things. He is the One who watches over His creation and ensures justice prevails. By recognizing His role as the protector, we can find solace in His care and seek His guidance in times of need. Al-Aziz (The Mighty) Al-Aziz signifies Allah's might and power. He is the One who possesses ultimate strength and authority. By contemplating this name, we can find strength and courage in our own lives, knowing that Allah is always with us. Al-Jabbar (The Compeller) Al-Jabbar represents Allah's ability to mend what is broken and restore what is lost. By invoking this name, we seek His help in overcoming our weaknesses and challenges. It reminds us that Allah has the power to heal and mend our hearts. Al-Mutakabbir (The Majestic) Al-Mutakabbir signifies Allah's greatness and majesty. He is the One who is above all and beyond any limitations. By recognizing His majesty, we can humble ourselves before Him and seek His guidance and blessings. Benefits of Understanding the 99 Names of Allah By delving into the meaning and significance of the 99 names of Allah, we can experience numerous benefits in our lives. Some of these benefits include: Strengthening our Faith Understanding the names of Allah deepens our faith and strengthens our connection with Him. It reminds us of His presence in our lives and His ability to guide and support us through every situation. Seeking His Blessings By invoking the names of Allah, we seek His blessings and mercy. Each name represents a specific attribute of Allah, and by calling upon these names, we open ourselves to His divine favors and protection. Finding Inner Peace The names of Allah remind us of His attributes of peace and tranquility. By contemplating these names, we can find inner peace and serenity, even amid life's challenges and uncertainties. Developing Virtuous Qualities Each name of Allah reflects a virtuous quality that we can strive to embody in our own lives. By understanding these names, we can develop qualities such as mercy, compassion, patience, and forgiveness. Seeking Guidance The names of Allah serve as a source of guidance for us. By reflecting on these names, we can seek His guidance in making decisions, finding solutions to our problems, and navigating through the complexities of life. Connecting with the Divine Understanding the names of Allah allows us to deepen our connection with the Divine. It reminds us of His infinite love and mercy towards His creation and encourages us to develop a closer relationship with Him through prayer, remembrance, and acts of worship. [caption id="attachment_79556" align="aligncenter" width="896"] meaning of the 99 names of Allah and benefits[/caption] The 99 names of Allah hold immense spiritual significance and offer numerous benefits to those who seek to understand and invoke them. By delving into the meaning of these names, we can strengthen our faith, seek His blessings, find inner peace, develop virtuous qualities, seek guidance, and connect with the Divine. May Allah bless us with the wisdom to comprehend and embody the essence of His beautiful names. Frequently Asked Questions 1. What are the 99 Names of Allah? The 99 Names of Allah are the various attributes and qualities that describe Allah in Islamic tradition. 2. What is the significance of knowing the 99 Names of Allah? Knowing the 99 Names of Allah helps deepen our understanding of His nature, enabling us to develop a closer relationship with Him. 3. Are the 99 Names of Allah mentioned in the Quran? Yes, the 99 Names of Allah are mentioned in various verses of the Quran, providing a divine source for their significance. 4. What are some benefits of reciting the 99 Names of Allah? Reciting the 99 Names of Allah can bring numerous benefits, such as spiritual purification, increased mindfulness, and blessings from Allah. 5. Can reciting specific Names of Allah help with specific needs? Yes, certain Names of Allah are associated with specific benefits. For example, reciting "Ar-Rahman" (The Most Gracious) can increase compassion and mercy in oneself. 6. How can I incorporate the 99 Names of Allah into my daily life? You can incorporate the 99 Names of Allah into your daily life by reciting them during prayers, reflecting on their meanings, and striving to embody their qualities in your actions. 7. Are there any recommended times or occasions to recite the 99 Names of Allah? While there are no specific times or occasions prescribed for reciting the 99 Names of Allah, you can recite them at any time that is convenient for you and when you seek a deeper connection with Allah. 8. Can non-Arabic speakers recite the 99 Names of Allah in translation? Yes, non-Arabic speakers can recite the 99 Names of Allah in translation to understand their meanings and benefit from their essence. 9. Are there any specific etiquettes or manners to observe when reciting the 99 Names of Allah? While there are no strict etiquettes, it is recommended to recite the Names of Allah with sincerity, humility, and focus, seeking to comprehend their meanings and internalize their teachings. 10. Can reciting the 99 Names of Allah protect us from harm? Reciting the 99 Names of Allah with faith and trust in Him can serve as a means of seeking protection and seeking His divine assistance in times of difficulty or danger.

[gaheriskinnie]

Get your man he's using archaic vocabulary from medieval romances and confusing the hoes.

[prokopetz]

My favourite example of the distinction between denotation and connotation is "what did you do?" versus "what have you done?"

[mgu-h]

sometimes you have to guess about how to write good, in-character rpf dialogue, but then sometimes lando will say on stream "i don't have it, max" and max will reply "the fact that you said my name means you're trying to lie, that's weird, you don't normally say that" and then have max be right

[wavesoutbeingtossed]

Good morning randomly thinking about “the air is thick with loss and indecision” and what an evocative line that is