Connotation and Denotation Quiz

Which of the following best defines the 'denotation' of a word?

• The emotional or cultural association attached to a word.

• The literal, dictionary definition of a word.

• The opposite meaning of a word.

• The history and origin of a word.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Which word in the following set has the most positive connotation? 'The traveler was ________.'

• Nosy

• Inquisitive

• Prying

• Curious

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.5B

CCSS.L.8.5C

If an author describes a room as 'cozy' instead of 'cramped,' what tone are they trying to create?

• Hostile

• Critical

• Welcoming

• Neglectful

Tags

CCSS.L.3.3A

CCSS.L.4.3A

CCSS.L.5.3A

CCSS.L.6.3A

CCSS.L.6.3B

Which of the following pairs of words have the same denotation but different connotations?

• Happy and Sad

• Smile and Smirk

• Table and Chair

• Run and Walk

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.5B

CCSS.L.8.5C

Read the sentence: 'The politician was clever.' If you want to change the connotation to be negative without changing the denotation of 'mental sharpness,' which word should you use?

• Intelligent

• Cunning

• Brilliant

• Wise

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.5B

CCSS.RL.8.4

Which word carries a more 'juvenile' or negative connotation in a professional setting?

• Childlike

• Youthful

• Childish

• Young

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.5B

CCSS.RL.8.4

In a news report, replacing the word 'protester' with 'rioter' changes the connotation from:

• Violent to Peaceful

• Active to Passive

• Lawful to Lawless

• Supporter to Opponent

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.L.8.5C

CCSS.RI.8.4

Which of the following sentences uses a word with a neutral connotation?

• He is a very pushy salesman.

• The man was assertive during the meeting.

• The chef prepared a dish with a strong aroma.

• The researcher collected the data.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.5B

CCSS.RI.8.4

Which word suggests a sense of pride and self-worth rather than arrogance?

• Conceited

• Vain

• Confident

• Egotistical

Tags

CCSS.L.3.3A

CCSS.L.4.3A

CCSS.L.5.3A

CCSS.L.6.3A

CCSS.L.6.3B

An author describes a character's clothing as 'vintage.' What is the most likely connotation?

• The clothes are old and falling apart.

• The clothes are dirty and need washing.

• The clothes are classic, valuable, and stylishly old.

• The clothes are out of date and embarrassing.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.5B

CCSS.L.8.5C