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Nuances in word meaning

Total questions: 15

Worksheet time: 18mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

After running the entire race without stopping, Maya wasn't just tired, she was completely ___.

a)

sleepy

b)

exhausted

c)

relaxed

d)

bored

2.

Sort these words by their usual connotation: Positive or Negative.

Categorize the following

thrifty

confident

cheap

arrogant

Positive
Negative
3.

Match each common, informal word to its more formal equivalent.

a)

ask

1.

request

b)

get

2.

obtain

c)

tell

3.

inform

d)

help

4.

assist

4.

The detective had to ___ the tiny clue left at the scene. Which word suggests a very careful and detailed look?

a)

glance at

b)

examine

c)

see

d)

stare at

5.

What is the main difference in meaning between a house and a home?

a)

A 'house' is bigger than a 'home'.

b)

A 'home' has an emotional connection, while a 'house' is just a building.

c)

A 'house' is for families, and a 'home' is for single people.

d)

There is no difference; the words mean the same thing.

6.

Sort these words for heat by their intensity: Mild, Moderate, and Strong.

Categorize the following

scorching

hot

warm

tepid

Mild
Moderate
Strong
7.

Leo clearly stated his opinion in the group project without being rude. He was being ___.

a)

bossy

b)

assertive

c)

shy

d)

meek

8.

Match each word for movement to the specific way of moving it describes.

a)

stroll

1.

To walk in a slow, relaxed way

b)

march

2.

To walk with purpose and steady rhythm

c)

tiptoe

3.

To walk quietly on the tips of the toes

9.

Which sentence uses the most formal language appropriate for an email to a teacher?

a)

Hey, I was wondering if I can get the homework.

b)

I need to know what the assignment is for tonight.

c)

Could you please let me know what the homework is?

d)

Gimme the homework details.

10.

Which word has a more negative connotation than curious?

a)

inquisitive

b)

interested

c)

nosy

d)

questioning

11.

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

Categorize the following

unique

slender

peculiar

skinny

Positive Impression
Negative Impression
12.

The new building is very large. Which word is stronger than large but not as extreme as colossal?

a)

small

b)

average

c)

massive

d)

tiny

13.

Match each word for speaking to its specific nuance.

a)

whisper

1.

To speak very softly using breath, not voice

b)

declare

2.

To announce something formally and confidently

c)

mutter

3.

To speak in a low, unclear, and often complaining voice

14.

What is the subtle difference between being smart and being wise?

a)

Smart people read books, but wise people watch movies.

b)

'Smart' relates to having knowledge, while 'wise' relates to using experience and judgment.

c)

They mean exactly the same thing.

d)

'Wise' is a negative word, while 'smart' is positive.

15.

Before going on the rollercoaster, I felt a mix of excitement and fear. The best word to describe this feeling is ___.

a)

anxious

b)

peaceful

c)

bored

d)

furious