Positive, negative and neutral connotations

Which word has a negative connotation?

• Determined

• Stubborn

• Firm

• Persistent

Answer explanation

While all the words mean unwilling to change an opinion, 'stubborn' suggests being unreasonable about it, which is a negative trait. 'Determined', 'firm', and 'persistent' have positive connotations of strength and commitment.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.5C

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

Sort these words about how people use money by their connotation: Positive, Negative, or Neutral.

Groups:

(a) Positive

,

(b) Negative

,

(c) Neutral

• Cheap

• Economical

• Miserly

• Thrifty

Answer explanation

'Thrifty' has a positive connotation of being wisely careful with money. 'Cheap' and 'miserly' have negative connotations of being unwilling to spend money, even when needed. 'Economical' is a neutral term for avoiding waste.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.5C

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

Choose the word that gives the sentence the most positive connotation. My grandma showed me her _________ photo album.

• Old

• Aged

• Vintage

• Ancient

Answer explanation

'Vintage' suggests that something is old but also stylish, high-quality, and valuable, giving it a positive feeling. 'Old' and 'aged' are more neutral, while 'ancient' is an exaggeration that can sound negative.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.5C

CCSS.L.7.5C

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

Match each word to its most common connotation.

• Negative (prying into others' business)

• Inquisitive

• Neutral (wanting to know something)

• Curious

• Positive (eager for knowledge)

• Nosy

Answer explanation

'Nosy' is negative because it implies unwelcome intrusion. 'Curious' is neutral and simply means wanting to know. 'Inquisitive' is positive, suggesting a healthy and intelligent desire for learning.

Which word has the most positive connotation to describe someone's build?

• Skinny

• Thin

• Slender

• Bony

Answer explanation

'Slender' has a positive connotation, suggesting a person is gracefully thin. 'Thin' is neutral, while 'skinny' and 'bony' have negative connotations of being unhealthily underweight.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.5C

CCSS.L.7.5C

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

What is the overall mood of this sentence? The man's greasy hair was plastered to his sweaty forehead.

• Positive

• Negative

• Neutral

• Joyful

Answer explanation

The words 'greasy,' 'plastered,' and 'sweaty' all have strong negative connotations that create an unpleasant and negative mood for the reader.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.3A

CCSS.L.4.3A

CCSS.L.5.3A

CCSS.L.6.3A

CCSS.L.6.3B

Sort these words into two groups based on their connotation: Positive or Negative.

Groups:

(a) Positive

,

(b) Negative

• Weird

• Brave

• Reckless

• Confident

• Unique

• Arrogant

Answer explanation

Words like 'unique,' 'confident,' and 'brave' have positive associations of individuality, self-assurance, and courage. Their counterparts, 'weird,' 'arrogant,' and 'reckless,' have similar literal meanings but suggest negative qualities.

Which of these words for moving on foot is the most neutral?

• Stroll

• Trudge

• March

• Walk

Answer explanation

'Walk' is a neutral, factual term that simply describes the action. 'Stroll' is positive (leisurely), 'trudge' is negative (difficult), and 'march' implies a specific, purposeful manner.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.5D

CCSS.L.2.5B

CCSS.L.3.5C

CCSS.L.K.5D

Match each sentence to the mood it creates based on word choice.

• Neutral Mood

• The student sat at the desk.

• Positive Mood

• The lost puppy shivered in the cold rain.

• Negative Mood

• The team celebrated their hard-won victory.

Answer explanation

'Celebrated' and 'victory' create a positive mood. 'Sat' and 'desk' are neutral, factual words creating no strong feeling. 'Lost,' 'shivered,' and 'cold' create a sad, negative mood.

Choose the word that gives the sentence the most negative connotation. A horrible ________ came from the overflowing trash can.

• Aroma

• Scent

• Smell

• Stench

Answer explanation

'Stench' specifically means a very strong and unpleasant smell, making it the most negative choice for this context. 'Aroma' is positive, while 'scent' and 'smell' are more neutral.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.5C

CCSS.L.7.5C

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.6.4