Denotative Meaning:
* To pretend or imitate; to make a false show of; to counterfeit.
* This is the dictionary definition, the literal and objective meaning.
Connotative Meaning:
* Dishonesty: Feigning often implies an intention to deceive, mislead, or gain something through pretending.
* Insincerity: It suggests a lack of genuine feelings or intentions, creating a sense of artificiality.
* Weakness: Feigning can sometimes be associated with weakness or an inability to face a situation directly.
* Manipulation: It can imply an attempt to control others by creating a false impression.
Examples:
* Denotative: "The actor feigned surprise at the unexpected twist in the plot."
* Connotative: "He feigned interest in her conversation to avoid being rude."
Key takeaway: While the denotation of "feign" simply means to pretend, its connotations often carry negative implications of dishonesty, insincerity, or manipulation.