Positive, negative and neutral connotations

Which word has the most negative connotation?

• inquisitive

• curious

• nosy

• interested

Answer explanation

'Nosy' suggests unwelcome and intrusive curiosity, giving it a negative feeling. 'Inquisitive,' 'curious,' and 'interested' are more neutral or positive.

Sort these words for a smell based on their typical connotation.

Groups:

(a) Positive

,

(b) Negative

,

(c) Neutral

• stench

• aroma

• fragrance

• odor

• reek

• scent

Answer explanation

'Fragrance' and 'aroma' suggest pleasant smells. 'Stench' and 'reek' suggest very unpleasant smells. 'Odor' and 'scent' are neutral and can be either good or bad depending on context.

My little brother is very (a)   ; he never gives up, even when a puzzle is hard.

• stubborn
• determined
• pig-headed

Answer explanation

'Determined' has a positive connotation of persistence and strength, which fits the admiring tone of the sentence. 'Stubborn' and 'pig-headed' are negative, suggesting unreasonable inflexibility.

A real estate agent wants to sell a small house. Which sentence uses the most positive connotation to describe it?

• The house is cramped and restrictive.

• The house is small and plain.

• The house is cozy and efficient.

• The house is tiny and confined.

Answer explanation

'Cozy' and 'efficient' are positive words that make the small size seem like a benefit (warm, easy to manage). The other options use negative or neutral words.

Match each word for 'thin' to its most common connotation.

• Negative (unhealthily thin)

• slim

• Positive (graceful and attractive)

• scrawny

• Neutral or Positive (healthy and fit)

• slender

Answer explanation

'Slender' is positive and elegant. 'Scrawny' is negative, implying weakness. 'Slim' is generally neutral or positive, suggesting a healthy body type.

In the sentence, 'The politician called his opponent's plan childish,' what is the connotation of the word 'childish'?

• Positive, suggesting innocence and fun

• Negative, suggesting immaturity and foolishness

• Neutral, simply meaning 'like a child'

• Positive, suggesting a fresh perspective

Answer explanation

In a political debate, calling a plan 'childish' is an insult meant to imply it is not serious or well-thought-out.

Group these words describing someone's financial habits into the correct categories.

Groups:

(a) Positive

,

(b) Negative

,

(c) Neutral

• economical

• frugal

• cheap

• miserly

• stingy

• thrifty

Answer explanation

'Thrifty' and 'frugal' praise careful spending. 'Cheap,' 'miserly,' and 'stingy' criticize not spending enough. 'Economical' is a neutral term for saving money.

The old car wasn't just old; it was a(n) (a)   pile of rust that barely ran.

• vintage
• antique
• decrepit

Answer explanation

The context 'pile of rust that barely ran' is very negative. 'Decrepit,' meaning worn out or ruined, is the only word with a strong negative connotation that fits. 'Vintage' and 'antique' are positive.

What is the denotation of the word 'snake'?

• A treacherous or deceitful person

• A long, legless reptile

• A symbol of evil

• Something scary

Answer explanation

The denotation is the literal, dictionary definition of a word. The other options describe the word's negative connotations or associations.

Sort these words that describe a person's confidence level.

Groups:

(a) Positive Connotation

,

(b) Negative Connotation

• arrogant

• confident

• cocky

• smug

• self-assured

• poised

Answer explanation

'Confident,' 'self-assured,' and 'poised' suggest a healthy and admirable self-belief. 'Arrogant,' 'smug,' and 'cocky' suggest excessive and annoying pride.