Positive, negative and neutral connotations

Which word has a more positive connotation to describe someone who is sure of their abilities?

• Arrogant

• Confident

• Cocky

• Smug

Answer explanation

While all words relate to self-assurance, 'confident' has a positive connotation of being secure in one's abilities. 'Arrogant', 'cocky', and 'smug' all have negative connotations of excessive pride or superiority.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5C

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.L.7.5C

CCSS.RL.7.4

Which word has the most negative connotation to describe someone who asks a lot of questions?

• Inquisitive

• Curious

• Questioning

• Nosy

Answer explanation

'Nosy' implies prying into others' business in an unwelcome or annoying way, giving it the most negative feeling. 'Inquisitive' and 'curious' are generally positive, while 'questioning' is neutral.

Sort these words by their typical connotation: Positive, Negative, or Neutral.

Groups:

(a) Positive

,

(b) Negative

,

(c) Neutral

• Stingy

• Unique

• Different

• House

• Frugal

• Peculiar

Answer explanation

Words are sorted based on the feelings they evoke. 'Unique' and 'frugal' are positive; 'peculiar' and 'stingy' are negative; 'different' and 'house' are generally neutral descriptions.

Choose the word with the most negative connotation to complete the sentence: The abandoned cabin had a single, ________ room.

• compact

• cozy

• cramped

• small

Answer explanation

'Cramped' suggests the room is uncomfortably and unpleasantly small, giving it a negative feeling. 'Cozy' is positive, while 'compact' and 'small' are more neutral.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5C

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

Match each word used to describe a person's build to its general connotation.

• Negative

• Slender

• Neutral

• Scrawny

• Positive

• Thin

Answer explanation

'Slender' has a positive connotation, suggesting someone is gracefully thin. 'Scrawny' has a negative connotation of being unhealthily thin. 'Thin' is a neutral, factual description.

Choose the word that gives the sentence a negative connotation: The mail carrier was wary of the neighbor's dog, which had a reputation for being ________.

• protective

• watchful

• aggressive

• alert

Answer explanation

'Aggressive' has a strong negative connotation of being ready to attack, which explains the mail carrier's wariness. The other words can be seen as neutral or even positive traits for a dog.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5C

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.L.7.5C

CCSS.L.9-10.5B

Which of the following words is the most neutral when describing a smell?

• Stench

• Aroma

• Scent

• Fragrance

Answer explanation

'Scent' is a neutral term for a smell that doesn't imply it is good or bad. 'Stench' is negative, while 'aroma' and 'fragrance' are positive.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5C

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Sort these words used to describe a person's actions into two groups: Positive Connotation or Negative Connotation.

Groups:

(a) Positive Connotation

,

(b) Negative Connotation

• Meticulous

• Assertive

• Reckless

• Pushy

• Courageous

• Picky

Answer explanation

Words are grouped based on whether they describe a trait positively (like 'assertive' for standing up for oneself) or negatively (like 'pushy' for being too forceful).

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5C

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

Choose the word that best fits the negative feeling of the sentence: The team disliked their new manager because of his ________ leadership style; he controlled every tiny detail.

• commanding

• authoritative

• bossy

• decisive

Answer explanation

'Bossy' has a negative connotation of being domineering in a petty or annoying way, which fits the team's dislike. The other options can be neutral or positive in a leadership context.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5C

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.L.7.5C

CCSS.RI.7.4

Match each word describing low cost to its typical connotation.

• Neutral

• Inexpensive

• Positive

• Cheap

• Negative

• Affordable

Answer explanation

'Affordable' positively suggests a good value. 'Cheap' often negatively implies poor quality. 'Inexpensive' is a neutral, factual statement about low cost.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.5C

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.L.7.5C

CCSS.RL.9-10.4