Shades of meaning describe the small differences in the meaning of similar words. Even if words are close in definition, they can give off different feelings or levels of strength.
Think of shades of meaning like different colors of the same paint. The meaning is related, but the feeling or intensity changes.
A connotation is the feeling or idea a word gives you, beyond its dictionary definition. Words can have a positive, negative, or neutral connotation.
Two words may mean almost the same thing, but one can sound kind while the other may sound rude or harsh.
Ask yourself: does this word make the person or idea sound good, bad, or neutral? If it adds a good feeling, it is positive. If it adds a bad feeling, it is negative.
Listen to how the word would make someone feel if you used it about them. That helps you find the connotation.
When writing or speaking, the word you choose can change the tone of your message. Pick a word with a connotation that matches what you want to say.
The words you choose show your attitude. Be mindful of whether you want your sentence to sound positive, negative, or neutral.
To get better at understanding connotations, practice grouping words from weakest to strongest and noticing which ones sound positive or negative.
Practice helps you understand how to choose the best word for what you mean. This skill is part of learning strong vocabulary in third grade.