Name: _________________________________________________
Connotative and Denotative Meanings
What is the difference between denotation and connotation?
Directions: Place the following words along the spectrum based on having a negative, positive, or neutral
connotation.
1. misunderstood, wrong, mixed up
Negative
Neutral
Positive
Neutral
Positive
Neutral
Positive
Neutral
Positive
Neutral
Positive
Neutral
Positive
2. criticism, feedback, assessment
Negative
3. peculiarity, individuality, uniqueness
Negative
4. inform, blab, enlighten
Negative
5. express, complain, speak
Negative
6. adventure, hazard, experience
Negative
7. What are some positive and negative associations we make with the word media?
Positive Associations
Negative Associations
8. What are some positive and negative associations we make with the word culture?
Positive Associations
Negative Associations
9. The word meaningful has multiple denotations. Use a dictionary or thesaurus to list at least three of
those denotations.
10. The word valid has multiple denotations. Use a dictionary or thesaurus to list at least three of those
denotations.
11. The word connection has multiple denotations. Use a dictionary or thesaurus to list at least three of
those denotations.
12. The word benefit has multiple denotations. Use a dictionary or thesaurus to list at least three of those
denotations.