Final answer:
The difference between 'starving' and 'hungry' showcases 'shades of meaning', which relates to the varying connotative meanings of words beyond their literal definitions. 'Starving' conveys a more severe need than 'hungry'. Considering connotative and denotative meanings is crucial in writing to ensure the appropriate tone is conveyed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between the words starving and hungry is an example of shades of meaning. Both words denote a need for food but carry different connotative meanings. Starving usually has a stronger, more urgent connotation, implying a severe lack of food that is life-threatening, while hungry generally means feeling the need to eat and is less intense. It's important to consider both denotative and connotative meanings of a word before using it in writing, as word choice can greatly affect the tone and perception of the text.
While denotative meaning refers to the literal definition of a word, connotative meaning involves the emotional and associative aspects a word may carry. For instance, the denotation of house may be a building where people live, but its connotation could evoke feelings of coldness or impersonality, in contrast to home, which often suggests warmth and comfort despite having the same denotation.
Connotations can greatly influence the tone of a piece of writing. Words with negative connotations can convey a negative tone, such as 'brainwashing' compared to 'teaching'. Similarly, words like diverse have positive connotations in some contexts due to their association with variety and inclusion.