Connotation and Denotation
Explore the subtle differences between the literal meaning (denotation) and the emotional associations (connotation) of words.
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Connotation and Denotation
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Read each question carefully and follow the instructions. This worksheet will help you understand the difference between connotation (the feelings or ideas associated with a word) and denotation (the literal dictionary definition of a word).
1. Which of the following words has a positive connotation?
Stingy
Frugal
Miserly
Greedy
2. The word 'childish' typically has a connotation.
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Ambiguous
3. The of a word is its dictionary definition, while its refers to the feelings or associations it evokes.
4. The words 'slender' and 'skinny' have similar denotations, but 'slender' has a more connotation, while 'skinny' often has a connotation.
5. The words 'unique' and 'odd' have the exact same connotation.
True
False
6. A word's denotation can change depending on the context in which it is used.
True
False
7. Read the following sentences. Identify the word with a strong connotation and explain why it creates a particular feeling in the reader:
a) The elderly woman hobbled down the street.
b) The politician’s speech was filled with fiery rhetoric.
8. Write two sentences. In the first sentence, use the word 'home' with a positive connotation. In the second sentence, use the word 'house' with a neutral connotation. Explain the difference in feeling between the two sentences.