RETEACH

Name:       Date:      

DENOTATION AND CONNOTATION

The denotation of a word is its dictionary definition. The feelings and

implications that go along with the word are its connotations. For example, both
cheap and affordable indicate that something is inexpensive. Cheap has the
connotation of being poorly made and inferior, while affordable suggests that
something has high quality with a low cost.

A. DIRECTIONS: For each sentence, read the words in the second column to fill in the
blank. Write the word with the more positive and less positive connotation in the
appropriate column.
Sentence Words More Positive Less Positive
connotation connotation
Martha has lived in her         on Third house,
Street for twenty years. home
The star of the play was tall and         skinny, slender
and had short hair.

Carly had a         attitude toward the competitive,

other team. hostile
Nia was very         with her parents’ extravagant,
money. generous
The Russians showed signs of being flexible,
         in the negotiation. soft

Walter is a           bargainer in determined,

business dealings. vicious

B. DIRECTIONS: Select the word with the most appropriate connotation to complete
each sentence.
1. We decided to move into a        and bustling neighborhood full of
shops, cafés, and people on the street. (deafening, lively, frantic)
2. Rex made a number of        comments that were negative and
indiscreet. (encouraging, loud, thoughtful)
3. Mona’s bright yellow outfit was beautiful, but it was too       
for a court appearance before a judge. (expensive, conservative, flamboyant).
4. The dog was so        that you couldn’t resist petting her.
(attractive, adorable, handsome)
5. Dana dialed in the combination, turned the key, and gave the door a       
shove, and then the safe opened. (weak, feeble, firm)

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 PRACTICE

Name:       Date:      

DENOTATION AND CONNOTATION

A. DIRECTIONS: Choose the word with the most positive connotation.

1. The director was (animated/thrilled/encouraged) with the performance of all of
the dancers.
2. The car was ten years old and had a rather (shabby/mature/seasoned) exterior.
3. Goat’s milk cheese has a(n) (earthy/foul/unclean) aroma.
4. Boris received only a(n) (indifferent/modest/tepid) recommendation from his
boss.
5. In her review, Allie wrote that the vacuum cleaner was
(adequate/unacceptable/dysfunctional) in every way.

B. DIRECTIONS: Choose the word with most negative connotation.

1. The new taco truck received (glowing/positive/rave) reviews from all of the
websites.
2. Belinda then followed with a (clever/miraculous/terrific) pass to Gia, who
scored the winning goal.
3. In his speech before Congress, Hal sounded (good-natured/comical/ludicrous).
4. In the treaty negotiations, the president found the prime minister
(consistent/rigid/firm) in her demands.
5. Most of the attacks in the war did a(n) (devastating/enormous/overwhelming)
amount of damage.

C. DIRECTIONS: Complete each sentence with your own word. Identify it as having a
positive or a negative connotation.
1. Melissa’s pasta recipe was        but hard to make.
2. Those pants make you look        and uncomfortable.
3. The weather outside is       ; inside the cabin it is delightful.

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