Denotations And Connotations

Which word would you use to describe a smell that is unpleasant, giving it a negative connotation?

• Scent

• Aroma

• Stench

• Fragrance

Answer explanation

While all four words have a similar denotation (a smell), 'stench' has a strong negative connotation, implying a very bad or foul odor. 'Scent,' 'aroma,' and 'fragrance' are usually positive or neutral.

Sort these words based on their typical connotation: Positive or Negative.

Groups:

(a) Positive

,

(b) Negative

• Arrogant

• Cheap

• Confident

• Stubborn

• Thrifty

• Determined

Answer explanation

Words are sorted by the feelings they suggest. 'Determined,' 'confident,' and 'thrifty' have positive feelings, while 'stubborn,' 'arrogant,' and 'cheap' have similar meanings but suggest negative qualities.

What is the denotation of a word?

• The feeling or idea the word suggests

• The word's literal, dictionary definition

• The word's origin and history

• A word that sounds the same but has a different meaning

Answer explanation

The denotation is the direct, primary meaning of a word, as you would find it in a dictionary. The other options describe connotation, etymology, or homophones.

Match each word to its general connotation.

• Negative Connotation

• Unique

• Positive Connotation

• Home

• Strong Positive Connotation

• Weird

• Neutral Connotation

• House

Answer explanation

Each word is matched with the feeling it typically creates. 'Unique' and 'home' are positive, 'weird' is negative, and 'house' is neutral, simply referring to a building.

If you want to describe a friend as being careful with money in a positive way, which word would you choose?

• Stingy

• Miserly

• Thrifty

• Cheap

Answer explanation

'Thrifty' has a positive connotation, suggesting that someone is wise and resourceful with their money. The other words have negative connotations, implying greed or unwillingness to spend.

Sort these words for 'thin' into two groups: Positive/Neutral Connotation and Negative Connotation.

Groups:

(a) Positive/Neutral Connotation

,

(b) Negative Connotation

• Bony

• Skinny

• Slim

• Gaunt

• Slender

Answer explanation

While all words mean 'thin,' 'slender' and 'slim' are often used as compliments. 'Skinny,' 'gaunt,' and 'bony' have negative connotations, suggesting being unhealthily thin.

Which pair of words has the most similar denotation but a different connotation?

• Dog / Cat

• Run / Walk

• Curious / Nosy

• Happy / Sad

Answer explanation

'Curious' and 'nosy' both mean interested in learning about things. However, 'curious' has a positive connotation (eager to learn), while 'nosy' is negative (prying into others' business).

What is the connotation of a word?

• Its official dictionary definition

• The number of syllables it has

• The emotional feeling or idea it suggests

• The way it is spelled

Answer explanation

Connotation refers to the cultural or emotional associations a word carries, beyond its literal meaning (which is its denotation).

Match the word with a positive connotation to its partner with a negative connotation.

• Demand

• Confident

• Aggressive

• Inexpensive

• Cheap

• Request

• Conceited

• Assertive

Answer explanation

Each pair has a similar denotation (dictionary meaning), but the first word has a positive feeling while the second has a negative one. For example, being 'assertive' is good, but being 'aggressive' is not.

Imagine you are writing a story. Sort these words for 'walked' into categories based on the feeling you want to create: Relaxed/Tired or Energetic/Hurried.

Groups:

(a) Relaxed/Tired

,

(b) Energetic/Hurried

• Strolled

• Sprinted

• Trudged

• Scampered

• Moseyed

• Dashed

Answer explanation

A writer chooses words for their connotation. 'Strolled,' 'trudged,' and 'moseyed' suggest a slow pace, while 'dashed,' 'sprinted,' and 'scampered' suggest speed and energy.