Denotation and Connotation

Denotation is the ______________ of a word.

• figurative meaning

• dictionary meaning

• only meaning

The following statements are true about connotation EXCEPT

• A connotation is the feeling a word invokes.

• Connotations can be positive, negative, or neutral.

• Connotation refers to the literal meaning of a word.

Which of the following words carries a positive connotation?

• bony

• lanky

• slender

Which of the following words carries a positive connotation?

• terrorist

• soldier

• mercenary

Which of the following words carries the STRONGEST negative connotation?

• protest

• unlawful gathering

• uprising

Which of the following has a negative connotation?

• Dana always wants to be isolated.

• Dana always wants to have her privacy.

Which of the two sentences below has a positive connotation?

• My mom is cheap when she goes grocery shopping.

• My mom is very practical when it comes to grocery shopping.

Which of the following has a negative connotation?

• Mike always wears sloppy clothes when we go to the mall.

• Mike always wears comfortable clothes when we go to the mall.

What is the overall connotation of the passage?

I was shocked to get a birthday gift from my Aunt because she is usually so cheap. When I tore the gaudy paper off the package, I saw a scarf made form flimsy material. It was covered with busy embroidery and flashy sequins. It certainly was a strange present.

• Positive connotation

• Negative connotation

• Neutral connotation

What is the overall connotation of the passage?

Mr. Smith has been a valuable employee since the company started. During that time, he has expressed many strong opinions that have influenced the company. His methods of solving problems are sometimes unusual. In short, he is a real leader.

• Positive connotation

• Negative connotation

• Neutral connotation