Concept Vocabulary Marginalize, Pariah, Bigotry 1. Why These Words? The three concept vocabulary words are related. With your group, determine what the words have in common. How do these word choices enhance the impact of the text? Practice Notebook Confirm your understanding of these words by using them in sentences. Include context clues that hint at each word’s meaning. Word Study Notebook Denotation and Connotation The denotation of a word is its literal definition that you would find in a dictionary. A word’s connotations are its emotional overtones or nuances. For example, the word pariah literally means “outcast.” Its connotations are overwhelmingly negative. This word came into English from Tamil, an Indian language, where it signified someone from the lowest social caste or group. Use a dictionary to research the denotations and connotations of the following words from the selection: nostalgia, disdain, conformist, smitten, distinctively. Then, use each word in a sentence that clearly indicates both its denotation and its connotation.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Concept Vocabulary
- Marginalize
Denotation: To treat someone or something as insignificant or unimportant, pushing them to the margins of society.
Connotation: The connotation of “marginalize” is negative. It suggests exclusion and unfair treatment, as well as social or political isolation.
Sentence: The decision to marginalize the voices of minorities in the meeting only deepened the divide within the community, making them feel ignored and powerless. - Pariah
Denotation: An outcast or someone rejected by society.
Connotation: The word “pariah” carries a very strong negative connotation, indicating social rejection, shame, and a loss of dignity. It implies a person who is shunned or stigmatized by society.
Sentence: After the scandal, he became a pariah in his hometown, with no one willing to associate with him or offer any support. - Bigotry
Denotation: Intolerance toward those who are different or hold different views.
Connotation: Bigotry has a very negative connotation, as it represents a closed-minded attitude, prejudice, and hatred toward people based on race, religion, gender, or other differences.
Sentence: Her bigotry was evident when she refused to accept any new ideas, sticking rigidly to her outdated beliefs without considering others’ perspectives.
Why These Words?
The three words—marginalize, pariah, and bigotry—are interconnected because they all refer to forms of exclusion or rejection. Marginalize implies a social or political process of isolating individuals or groups, often on the basis of prejudice. The word pariah takes this isolation to an extreme, identifying someone who has been rejected by society to the point of being considered an outcast. Bigotry is the underlying mindset that facilitates such exclusion, involving prejudiced attitudes that can lead to discrimination or social isolation. The word choices intensify the impact of the text by highlighting societal issues such as inequality, prejudice, and the emotional weight of exclusion.
Word Study Notebook
- Nostalgia
Denotation: A sentimental longing or affection for the past, often idealized.
Connotation: Nostalgia evokes a bittersweet feeling, as people reflect fondly on memories but may also feel sorrowful because the past cannot be relived.
Sentence: Walking through his childhood neighborhood filled him with a sense of nostalgia, reminding him of simpler, happier times. - Disdain
Denotation: A feeling or expression of contempt or scorn.
Connotation: Disdain implies a strong sense of superiority and a lack of respect, often toward something perceived as unworthy.
Sentence: She looked at the poorly written report with disdain, unable to hide her disapproval of the low-quality work. - Conformist
Denotation: A person who adheres to accepted norms, customs, or rules.
Connotation: The connotation of “conformist” is often negative, implying a lack of originality or independent thought, as such individuals are seen as followers rather than innovators.
Sentence: He was labeled a conformist for always adhering to the group’s opinions without ever voicing his own unique perspective. - Smitten
Denotation: To be deeply affected by strong feelings, especially love or infatuation.
Connotation: “Smitten” conveys an emotional reaction that is intense, often sudden and overwhelming, typically in a positive, romantic sense.
Sentence: He was completely smitten with her, spending every free moment thinking about her smile and laughter. - Distinctively
Denotation: In a way that is characteristic of a particular person, thing, or group.
Connotation: The connotation of “distinctively” suggests something that stands out, making a mark or being clearly identifiable, often in a positive light.
Sentence: The artist painted in a distinctively bold style, using vibrant colors that made each of her works instantly recognizable.
These words enhance the emotional tone of the text, making the themes of social exclusion, prejudice, and memory more vivid.
