Denotation and Connotation worksheet - Free Printable

Task Explanation:

The task asks you to identify the word in each pair of parentheses that has a more positive connotation. Connotation refers to the emotional or associative meaning of a word, beyond its literal definition (denotation). Positive connotations are words that evoke pleasant or favorable feelings.

Solution:

#### 1. Our trip to the amusement park was (good / wonderful).
- Good: This word has a neutral to slightly positive connotation. It simply means something is satisfactory.
- Wonderful: This word has a strongly positive connotation, indicating something is exceptionally good or delightful.
- Answer: wonderful

#### 2. (Brave / Foolhardy) people rode the rollercoaster.
- Brave: This word has a positive connotation, describing someone who shows courage and fearlessness.
- Foolhardy: This word has a negative connotation, suggesting someone is reckless or foolishly daring.
- Answer: brave

#### 3. We saw (fascinating / weird) animals in the animal house.
- Fascinating: This word has a positive connotation, meaning something is very interesting or captivating.
- Weird: This word has a neutral to slightly negative connotation, suggesting something is strange or unusual.
- Answer: fascinating

#### 4. Some of the monkeys made (hilarious / goofy) faces.
- Hilarious: This word has a strongly positive connotation, meaning something is extremely funny or amusing.
- Goofy: This word has a neutral to slightly negative connotation, suggesting something is silly or ridiculous.
- Answer: hilarious

#### 5. Everyone’s face wore a (smile / smirk) on the way home.
- Smile: This word has a positive connotation, indicating happiness or contentment.
- Smirk: This word has a neutral to slightly negative connotation, often implying a smug or self-satisfied expression.
- Answer: smile

Final Answers:

1. wonderful
2. brave
3. fascinating
4. hilarious
5. smile

Boxed Final Answer:

\[
\boxed{\text{wonderful, brave, fascinating, hilarious, smile}}
\]