Positive, negative and neutral connotations

Which word has the most positive connotation to describe someone who is careful with money?

• Cheap

• Stingy

• Thrifty

• Miserly

Answer explanation

'Thrifty' has a positive connotation, suggesting that a person is wise and resourceful with their money. 'Cheap,' 'stingy,' and 'miserly' all have negative connotations, implying that someone is unwilling to spend money in an unpleasant way.

Sort these words for a smell by their connotation: Positive, Negative, or Neutral.

Groups:

(a) Positive

,

(b) Negative

,

(c) Neutral

• Odor

• Stench

• Fragrance

• Scent

• Reek

• Aroma

Answer explanation

Words are sorted based on the feelings they evoke. 'Fragrance' and 'aroma' suggest pleasant smells (positive). 'Stench' and 'reek' suggest awful smells (negative). 'Odor' and 'scent' are more objective and can be either (neutral).

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5C

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.L.6.5C

Which word has the most negative connotation to describe someone who is very interested in others' lives?

• Curious

• Inquisitive

• Interested

• Nosy

Answer explanation

'Nosy' has a strong negative connotation, implying someone pries into things that are not their business. 'Curious,' 'inquisitive,' and 'interested' are more positive or neutral, suggesting a healthy desire to learn.

Match each word to its general connotation.

• Neutral - a factual account

• Report

• Negative - rumors or private information

• Peculiar

• Negative - strange in an unsettling way

• Gossip

• Positive - special and one-of-a-kind

• Unique

Answer explanation

Each word is matched to its associated feeling. 'Unique' is positive, 'peculiar' and 'gossip' are negative, and 'report' is neutral as it implies factual information without emotional judgment.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5C

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Which sentence creates the most negative mood through its word choice?

• A gathering of people formed in the town square.

• A group of people formed in the town square.

• A crowd of people formed in the town square.

• A mob of people formed in the town square.

Answer explanation

The word 'mob' has a strong negative connotation, suggesting an unruly, angry, or dangerous group. 'Gathering,' 'group,' and 'crowd' are more neutral terms.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5C

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RI.6.4

To create a welcoming feeling, the real estate agent described the small house as being _____.

• Cramped

• Cozy

• Tiny

• Confining

Answer explanation

In this context, 'cozy' is the only word with a positive connotation, suggesting warmth and comfort. 'Cramped,' 'tiny,' and 'confining' all have negative connotations, implying the space is uncomfortably small.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5A

Which of the following words has a neutral connotation?

• Shack

• House

• Mansion

• Dump

Answer explanation

'House' is a neutral, factual word for a dwelling. 'Shack' and 'dump' have negative connotations of poor quality, while 'mansion' has a positive connotation of luxury and wealth.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5C

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.6.4

Sort these synonym pairs. Each pair contains one word with a positive connotation and one with a negative connotation.

Groups:

(a) Positive Connotation

,

(b) Negative Connotation

• Determined

• Arrogant

• Slender

• Confident

• Stubborn

• Scrawny

Answer explanation

Words are sorted by the feelings they suggest. 'Determined,' 'confident,' and 'slender' are positive ways to describe traits, while their synonyms 'stubborn,' 'arrogant,' and 'scrawny' are negative.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5C

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.L.6.5C

My little brother is very _____. He is always asking questions because he wants to learn about everything.

• Nosy

• Prying

• Inquisitive

• Meddling

Answer explanation

The context 'he wants to learn' calls for a word with a positive connotation. 'Inquisitive' means eager for knowledge, which is positive. 'Nosy,' 'prying,' and 'meddling' are negative terms for interfering in others' business.

Match each word describing a way of speaking to the connotation it suggests.

• Negative - to complain or ask repeatedly

• State

• Positive - to talk in a friendly way

• Drone on

• Negative - to talk boringly for a long time

• Nag

• Neutral - to say something factually

• Chat

Answer explanation

Each word is matched to the feeling it conveys. 'Chat' is positive and friendly. 'Nag' and 'drone on' are negative and annoying. 'State' is neutral and factual.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5C

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.L.8.5C