Denotation and Connotation

Which of the following has a positive connotation?

• An aggressive stance

• A hostile stance 

Which word has the more positive connotation?

• laid-back

• lazy 

Which phrase has negative connotation?

• a box filled with documents

• a box crammed with documents

Which phrase has a more positive connotation?

• a peculiar object

• a unique object

• a strange object

Which phrase has a more negative connotation?

• frown at someone

• scowl at someone

Choose the word that best completes the sentence. Hint: Determine the connotation (positive or negative) through context clues.

Although the problem was difficult to resolve, Sandra and John were ________________ in searching for an answer. Their teacher was quite proud.

• persistent

• stubborn

• bullheaded

• headstrong

Kevin's interest in model cars has turned into a hobby. If you change the word hobby to obsession, the word now has a _____ connotation.

• positive

• negative

cunning

• positive meaning (+)

• negative meaning (-)

• neutral meaning (=)

When you look up a word in the dictionary, you find its...

• connotation

• denotation

• acronym

• homonym

What is the term for the emotions that a word stirs in a reader?

• synonym

• denotation

• connotation

• acronym