Vocabulary: Denotation vs Connotation
Name _________________________
Date __________ Period __________
Denotation: The denotation of a word is the dictionary definition and literal meaning of a word.
Connotation: The connotation of the word is the meaning of the word based on a shared
emotional association; an idea or a feeling that a word brings above its literal meaning. The
connotation of a word can depend on the person who hears the word and relates his or her own
associations.
Example: Snake
Denotation: a limbless reptile with a long, scaly body
Connotation: sneaky, “snake in the grass,” the biblical serpent, the danger of
poisonous snakes, our own fear of snakes, or a malevolent (evil, bad) person might
be called “a real snake.”
PART I: Directions: For each pair of words listed below, list the one that has a positive
connotation in the “Positive Connotation” column and the one that is negative in the “Negative
Connotation” column.






gaze / stare
brainwash / persuade
delayed / tardy
lazily / leisurely
demand / request
gathering / mob
Positive Connotation






observe / spy
youthful / immature
irresponsible / carefree
unique / strange
inexpensive / cheap
competetive / cutthroat
1.
Denotation
look steadily
2.
influence one way or another
3.
not on time
4.
without haste
5.
ask of someone
6.
a large group
7.
to watch
8.
a young age
9.
not having a care
10.
not commonly found
11.
fairly priced
12.
wanting to succeed
Negative Connotation
PART II: Directions: Categorize the following words as positive, neutral, or negative. If you are
not sure, look the word up in a dictionary. The first one is done for you as an example.
1.
house, dump, home
2.
exotic, foreign, strange
3.
babble, talk, chat
4.
dinner, feast, slop
5.
fragrance, stench, smell
6.
venerable, old, decrepit
7.
sound, tune, noise
8.
beast, animal, pet
Positive
Neutral
Negative
home
house
dump
PART III: Directions: Read each of the following sentences. Decide from the context whether
the speaker is showing approval or disapproval of the topic. Then circle the word that would fit
best in the sentence.
1.
This cell phone is (expensive, overpriced), but I don’t mind paying extra because it
has so many useful features.
2.
You’re lucky to have Wilma on your committee. She has lots of (original, crazy) ideas.
3.
Boss Reed and his (cronies, employees) have controlled the politics in this city for more
than twenty years. I certainly hope the other party wins this year!
4.
It was a beautiful spring day, and the (stench, scent) of apple blossoms filled the whole
yard.
5.
I hope I don’t have to share an office with Janice. Sandra told me how (curious, nosy)
she can be.
6.
“I think Fay is an excellent president,” said the principal. “She really knows how to
(manage, meddle).”
7.
Will you please turn your stereo off? I can’t concentrate with all that (music, noise).
8.
I love going camping and getting in touch with nature. The woods are filled with so
much (vermin, animal life).
9.
What makes Jim such an excellent storyteller is his knack for (invention, lying).
10.
Mr. Benton had better watch out for that new assistant of his. He’s a (clever, crafty)
one.