Final answer:
The phrase 'not on time' has a denotation of being late. A positive connotation is 'fashionably late', while a negative connotation is 'tardy'. Consideration of connotations is crucial in argumentative writing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of denotation refers to the literal meaning of a word, whereas connotation refers to the emotional or cultural associations that a word carries beyond its literal meaning. When the phrase not on time is used, it denotes someone or something that is late or delayed. For a positive connotation, you might say fashionably late, implying that arriving later than planned is stylish or advantageous. A negative connotation could be tardy, which suggests negligence or a lack of punctuality.
It is essential, especially when crafting an argumentative essay, to consider the connotations of words used, so as to deliver the intended message without unintended implications.