Connotation and denotation worksheet - Free Printable

Let's solve this worksheet step by step. The goal is to identify which phrase in each pair has a positive connotation (+) and which has a negative connotation (–). Remember:

- Denotation: Literal meaning (dictionary definition).
- Connotation: Emotional or cultural associations (positive, negative, or neutral).

We’ll analyze each pair.

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1.

A strong reek – *Negative* (suggests bad smell, unpleasant) → –
A strong aroma – *Positive* (pleasant smell, often associated with good things) → +

✔ Answer:
- A strong reek: –
- A strong aroma: +

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2.

A charismatic leader – *Positive* (charisma implies charm, appeal, influence) → +
A pushy leader – *Negative* (pushy suggests being overbearing or forceful) → –

✔ Answer:
- A charismatic leader: +
- A pushy leader: –

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3.

Squandered his time – *Negative* (wasted time, irresponsible) → –
Invested his time – *Positive* (used time wisely, productively) → +

✔ Answer:
- Squandered his time: –
- Invested his time: +

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4.

A bold plan – *Positive* (confident, daring in a good way) → +
A reckless plan – *Negative* (risky without thought, dangerous) → –

✔ Answer:
- A bold plan: +
- A reckless plan: –

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5.

Energetic dogs – *Positive* (full of energy, lively, active) → +
Rambunctious dogs – *Negative* (noisy, unruly, out of control) → –

✔ Answer:
- Energetic dogs: +
- Rambunctious dogs: –

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6.

Spoke with arrogance – *Negative* (overly proud, disrespectful) → –
Spoke with confidence – *Positive* (self-assured, calm, believable) → +

✔ Answer:
- Spoke with arrogance: –
- Spoke with confidence: +

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7.

Ratty clothes – *Negative* (old, dirty, worn-out) → –
Casual clothes – *Neutral/Positive* (relaxed, comfortable, not formal) → + *(generally positive or neutral)*

> Note: "Casual" is more neutral but leans slightly positive in most contexts, while "ratty" is clearly negative.

✔ Answer:
- Ratty clothes: –
- Casual clothes: +

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8.

An aggressive stance – *Negative* (hostile, confrontational) → –
A hostile stance – *Negative* (also negative, but stronger than “aggressive”)

Wait — both are negative, but we need to pick one as more negative? Let’s clarify:

- Aggressive can be positive in some contexts (e.g., aggressive marketing), but here it's likely negative.
- Hostile is more strongly negative — implies ill will.

So:
- An aggressive stance: – (but less so)
- A hostile stance: – (stronger negative)

But the directions say: put + for positive, – for negative. So if both are negative, both get –, but we still must choose.

Wait — actually, the instruction says: *"Put a + sign next to the one with a positive connotation, and a – on the line next to the one with a negative connotation."*

So only one per pair gets +, the other gets –.

But both are negative?

No — let’s reconsider:

- Aggressive stance — can have mixed connotations, but in context, it’s usually negative unless in sports or business.
- Hostile stance — clearly negative.

So which is less negative? Actually, aggressive might imply determination, whereas hostile implies malice.

But in standard usage:
- Aggressive = pushing forward, assertive (can be positive)
- Hostile = unfriendly, angry (always negative)

So:
- An aggressive stance → could be seen as positive (determined, proactive) → +
- A hostile stance → always negative → –

✔ Answer:
- An aggressive stance: +
- A hostile stance: –

> This is subtle, but “aggressive” is often used positively in contexts like “aggressive sales tactics,” while “hostile” is never positive.

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9.

Easygoing attitude – *Positive* (relaxed, calm, agreeable) → +
Lazy attitude – *Negative* (unmotivated, avoids work) → –

✔ Answer:
- Easygoing attitude: +
- Lazy attitude: –

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10.

Thoughtful response – *Positive* (considered, caring, wise) → +
Calculated response – *Neutral/Negative* (planned, possibly manipulative; not necessarily positive)

- “Calculated” can imply coldness or lack of emotion.
- “Thoughtful” implies care and empathy.

So:
- Thoughtful response: +
- Calculated response: –

✔ Answer:
- Thoughtful response: +
- Calculated response: –

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✔ Final Answers:

| # | Phrase | Connotation |
|---|-------------------------------|-------------|
| 1 | A strong reek | – |
| | A strong aroma | + |
| 2 | A charismatic leader | + |
| | A pushy leader | – |
| 3 | Squandered his time | – |
| | Invested his time | + |
| 4 | A bold plan | + |
| | A reckless plan | – |
| 5 | Energetic dogs | + |
| | Rambunctious dogs | – |
| 6 | Spoke with arrogance | – |
| | Spoke with confidence | + |
| 7 | Ratty clothes | – |
| | Casual clothes | + |
| 8 | An aggressive stance | + |
| | A hostile stance | – |
| 9 | Easygoing attitude | + |
| | Lazy attitude | – |
|10 | Thoughtful response | + |
| | Calculated response | – |

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🔍 Explanation Summary:

- Connotation depends on emotional tone.
- Words like *aroma*, *charismatic*, *invested*, *bold*, *energetic*, *confidence*, *casual*, *easygoing*, *thoughtful* carry positive feelings.
- Words like *reek*, *pushy*, *squandered*, *reckless*, *rambunctious*, *arrogance*, *ratty*, *hostile*, *lazy*, *calculated* carry negative or neutral-negative tones.
- Even when words are synonyms, their connotations differ based on social perception.

This exercise helps students understand how word choice affects tone and meaning in writing.

Let me know if you'd like this formatted as a printable answer key!