Positive, Neutral, Negative Evaluation in Connotation

Abstract

The article focuses on evaluation-type connotation, expressed by a  theoretically triple opposition (positive neutral negative, as in plump+, stout neut,  obese -) which is more often represented by only two members (as in dismiss neut  fire -), though even cases with no opposition can be spoken about (e.g., bald -).  Though to speak about connotative opposition we basically need denotative  synonyms (like high-flown +?? “pompous†-), words like “warm†+ and “coldâ€Â  (especially in metaphoric meanings) may be viewed as both denotative and  connotative antonyms. As evaluation depends on taste, it is subjective (depending  on historic period, personality of the speaker, situational and linguistic context)  and therefore difficult to study or teach. This situation, anyway, should not prevent  researchers and language teachers from its careful treatment as ignorance of  connotation on the language users' part may cause serious problems in  communication