Question

Which of these words has the same denotative meaning as, but a different connotative meaning than, the word "mediocre".
- ordinary
- inadequate
- lacking
- superb

I believe it's either inadequate or lacking but I'm not sure. The connotative meaning of this word is usually worse than the denotative meaning. I really need to get this question right. Please & Thank you. :)

Answer 1

Well, connotative is not usually worse... just not as direct. For example, when saying someone is offering an olive brance is not worse than saying they are handing out a tree part. It means they are trying to offer peace.

The denotative meaning is the litteral or dictionary meaning. So it would be in the primary dictionary entry for the word.

Answer 2

I don't think it's ordinary. And I know it is not superb. I just have a choice between inadequate and lacking. The dictionary definition of mediocre is adequate and ordinary. Definitely not lacking though. I'm still not sure. lol. Could you help me make a decision?

Answer 3

Well, have you looked it up?
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mediocre

Answer 4

Taking a look right now...

Answer 5

It says barely adequate. Doesn't mean it's inadequate. right?

Answer 6

Look at the primary (#1) definition on what I linked.

Answer 7

The only word that is in the thesaurus is "ordinary"

Answer 8

Exactly. But, most people do not think it is ordinary. That is the connotative meaning kicking in. It means average in a world of people that thunk they are special. So by being not-special, people think it means lacking. But the actual meaning is just ordinary.

Answer 9

Thank you

Answer 10

Very much appreciated

Answer 11

there are lots of misunderstood words like this. Just another quick example: asymptomatic means "show NO sysptoms" but because it has symptomatic as most of the word, just an a in front, people mistake it for meaning one sysmptom or as being symptomatic.

Answer 12

Yes, I agree. I kind of felt funny moments ago when I "finally" got it. You just showed me how to look at a word from a clearer perspective. Thank you again

Answer 13

That was my goal. =) Hope that helps over the long term.

Answer 14

Does it mean that this article is wrong then?

http://public.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/mediocre.html

Answer 15

No. It says connotation there. They are being clear about how it is misunderstood so it is best to avoid the primary meaning of that word because the connotation is so prevalent.

Answer 16

Oh ok. Got it. I read it wrong.

Answer 17

Here, this would be a similar example:

A
B
C
D
F

The "Average" grade is a C! But a C student is mediocre. You graduate, but your chances of getting into a good college are not great.