Connotation and Denotation Worksheet

Connotation and Denotation

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?

2. The word 'childish' has a negative connotation, while 'childlike' has a positive connotation. What is the denotation that both words share?

3. The   of a word is its literal dictionary definition.

4. The emotions or associations connected to a word represent its  .

5. All words have both a denotation and a connotation.

6. The connotation of a word can change depending on the cultural context or audience.

7. Explain the difference in connotation between the words 'home' and 'house'. Give an example sentence for each to illustrate your point.

Match each word with its most likely connotation.

Read the following passage and answer the question below.

The old woman lived in a shack nestled in the woods. Its crumbling walls and leaky roof suggested a life of hardship, yet a faint aroma of baking bread always drifted from within, hinting at a cozy warmth. Her hands, gnarled with age, worked tirelessly in her small garden, coaxing vibrant life from the stubborn soil. Some called her a recluse, but those who knew her better saw a resilient spirit, choosing solitude over the clamor of the town.

12. Identify two words from the passage that have strong connotations. For each word, explain its denotation and its connotation, and how the author uses it to create a specific impression of the old woman or her home.