Connotation and Denotation Worksheets - 15 Worksheets Library - Free Printable

Problem Overview:

The task involves filling out a chart that distinguishes between the denotation (literal meaning) and connotation (emotional or associative meaning) of several words. Additionally, there is a bonus question asking to identify two words with positive connotations and two words with negative connotations.

Solution:

#### Step 1: Understand Denotation and Connotation
- Denotation: The literal, dictionary definition of a word.
- Connotation: The emotional or associative meaning of a word, which can be positive (+), negative (-), or neutral (±).

#### Step 2: Fill in the Chart

| WORD | DENOTATION | CONNOTATION (+/-) |
|------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------|
| childlike | Having characteristics typical of a child, such as innocence or playfulness. | + |
| gritty | Tough, determined, and resilient, often in difficult circumstances. | ± |
| geezer | An old man, often used in a slightly informal or humorous way. | - |
| pushy | Aggressive or forceful in trying to persuade someone. | - |
| frugal | Economical; careful with money or resources. | + |
| arrogant | Having an exaggerated sense of self-importance or superiority. | - |
| inquisitive| Curious and eager to learn or know more. | + |
| extraordinary | Exceptional or surpassing what is usual or expected. | + |
| attractive | Pleasing or appealing in appearance or qualities. | + |
| juvenile | Relating to youth or immaturity; childish. | - |

#### Explanation of Each Word:

1. Childlike:
- Denotation: Characteristics typical of a child, such as innocence or playfulness.
- Connotation: Positive (+), as it often implies innocence or simplicity.

2. Gritty:
- Denotation: Tough, determined, and resilient, often in difficult circumstances.
- Connotation: Neutral (±), as it can be seen positively for resilience but negatively if associated with harshness.

3. Geezer:
- Denotation: An old man, often used in a slightly informal or humorous way.
- Connotation: Negative (-), as it can imply ageism or disrespect.

4. Pushy:
- Denotation: Aggressive or forceful in trying to persuade someone.
- Connotation: Negative (-), as it suggests being overly assertive or intrusive.

5. Frugal:
- Denotation: Economical; careful with money or resources.
- Connotation: Positive (+), as it implies wise use of resources.

6. Arrogant:
- Denotation: Having an exaggerated sense of self-importance or superiority.
- Connotation: Negative (-), as it suggests a lack of humility.

7. Inquisitive:
- Denotation: Curious and eager to learn or know more.
- Connotation: Positive (+), as it implies a desire for knowledge.

8. Extraordinary:
- Denotation: Exceptional or surpassing what is usual or expected.
- Connotation: Positive (+), as it implies excellence or uniqueness.

9. Attractive:
- Denotation: Pleasing or appealing in appearance or qualities.
- Connotation: Positive (+), as it implies desirability.

10. Juvenile:
- Denotation: Relating to youth or immaturity; childish.
- Connotation: Negative (-), as it can imply immaturity or lack of experience.

#### Step 3: Bonus Question
Choose 2 words with positive connotations and 2 words with negative connotations.

- Positive Connotations: Inquisitive, Attractive
- Negative Connotations: Pushy, Arrogant

Final Answer:

\boxed{
\begin{array}{|c|c|c|}
\hline
\text{WORD} & \text{DENOTATION} & \text{CONNOTATION (+/-)} \\
\hline
\text{childlike} & \text{Having characteristics typical of a child, such as innocence or playfulness.} & + \\
\hline
\text{gritty} & \text{Tough, determined, and resilient, often in difficult circumstances.} & ± \\
\hline
\text{geezer} & \text{An old man, often used in a slightly informal or humorous way.} & - \\
\hline
\text{pushy} & \text{Aggressive or forceful in trying to persuade someone.} & - \\
\hline
\text{frugal} & \text{Economical; careful with money or resources.} & + \\
\hline
\text{arrogant} & \text{Having an exaggerated sense of self-importance or superiority.} & - \\
\hline
\text{inquisitive} & \text{Curious and eager to learn or know more.} & + \\
\hline
\text{extraordinary} & \text{Exceptional or surpassing what is usual or expected.} & + \\
\hline
\text{attractive} & \text{Pleasing or appealing in appearance or qualities.} & + \\
\hline
\text{juvenile} & \text{Relating to youth or immaturity; childish.} & - \\
\hline
\end{array}
}
\boxed{\text{Bonus: Positive: Inquisitive, Attractive; Negative: Pushy, Arrogant}}