Final answer:
The word 'pooch' has a connotative meaning closest to 'dog' as it implies an informal, affectionate tone. Understanding both denotative and connotative meanings can help in choosing the correct word. Strategies to avoid gender bias include using neutral job titles, employing plural pronouns, and avoiding assumptions based on gender.
Step-by-step explanation:
When we consider the connotative meaning of words, we're looking at the emotional or associative meanings that go beyond the literal definition, which is known as the denotative meaning. The word "pooch" is closest in connotative meaning to "dog" as it carries an informal, affectionate tone, similar to how someone might refer to their pet. Unlike "mutt" or "mongrel," which can have negative connotations, "pooch" is endearing and does not carry any judgment about the dog's pedigree.
To determine the appropriateness of a word's meaning, it's important to understand both its denotative and connotative meanings. You can look up the word in a dictionary for its definition or use it in different contexts to see how it is received. Additionally, considering synonyms can help provide insight into the nuances of the word's usage and meaning.
As for avoiding gender bias in language, three strategies are:
- Using neutral job titles like "firefighter" instead of "fireman".
- Employing plural nouns and pronouns to avoid specifying gender when it's unnecessary, for example, saying "they" instead of "he/she".
- Avoiding assumptions about roles or abilities based on gender and instead focusing on the individual's qualifications or actions.