Denotation and Connotation

An idea or feeling that a word puts off or suggests.

• denotation

• connotation

The dictionary definition of a word.

• denotation

• connotation

Mark was sick of getting a dozen annoying e-mails with jokes from Sally every day. He wrote a sloppy reply letting her know that he wasn't allowed to receive silly e-mails at school.

What does the word "sick" suggest Mark was feeling as it is used in the first sentence of this story?

• full

• nauseous

• fed up with

• bored

Jackie screamed and pulled her hand away from the scalding water. Her hand was bright red and hurting.

What does the word scalding suggest about the water in the sentence above?

• icy cold

• room temperature

• painfully hot

• pretty warm

Buster was a puny dog. He couldn't even scare the cat that lived next door.

What is the dictionary meaning of the word puny in the sentence above?

• small

• large

• loud

• heavy

Dale kept telling his mother the matter was grave. They had to report the person that hit their car today.

What is the dictionary meaning of the word grave in the sentence above?

• curious

• boring

• unusual

• serious

Benjamin was a lanky kid. He was the tallest kid in the class, and he was not a big kid. His mom packed him a huge lunch in the hopes he would get some more muscle on his bony arms and legs.

What is the dictionary meaning of the word lanky in the sentence above?

• huge and tall

• tall and thin

• muscular and tall

• thin and short

"I'm afraid," said Luke's guidance counselor carefully, "that you might find advanced calculus a little too __________ ." (Most positive word to not hurt Luke's feelings)

• Challenging

• Confusing

• Difficult

Daniel's doctor said, "I recommend a low-fat, low-carbohydrate diet because you are becoming __________ ." (Positive word that wouldn’t insult a patient)

• Fat

• Obese

• Overweight

William annoys his friends because he's so __________ when it comes to money. (They’re annoyed so a negative word!)

• Frugal

• Thrifty

• Stingy