Connotations -denotations positive and negative meanings worksheet ... - Free Printable

Let's solve this worksheet step by step, explaining the connotation (the emotional or cultural meaning associated with a word) and how to choose between words based on whether they have a positive, negative, or neutral connotation.

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A. Fill in the word that has the more positive connotation

1. Our trip to the amusement park was ________. (fine, wonderful)
✔ wonderful – "Wonderful" is much more positive than "fine," which is neutral.
→ Answer: wonderful

2. ________ people rode on the roller coaster. (Brave, Foolhardy)
✔ Brave – "Brave" is positive; "foolhardy" implies recklessness (negative).
→ Answer: Brave

3. We saw a ________ animal at the zoo. (fascinating, weird)
✔ fascinating – "Fascinating" means interesting and exciting; "weird" has a negative or odd tone.
→ Answer: fascinating

4. Some of the monkeys made ________ faces. (hilarious, amusing)
✔ hilarious – "Hilarious" is stronger and more positive than "amusing."
→ Answer: hilarious

5. Everyone had a ________ on their faces. (smile, smirk)
✔ smile – A "smile" is warm and friendly; a "smirk" suggests arrogance or superiority (negative).
→ Answer: smile

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B. Fill in the word that has the more negative connotation

6. We bought ________ furniture. (cheap, inexpensive)
✔ cheap – "Cheap" can imply low quality; "inexpensive" is neutral or even positive.
→ Answer: cheap

7. That sandwich was awful, it was ________. (soggy, moist)
✔ soggy – "Soggy" suggests unappetizing wetness; "moist" is often used positively (e.g., moist cake).
→ Answer: soggy

8. Mike ________ us to go to the mall. (reminded, nagged)
✔ nagged – "Nagged" implies annoying persistence; "reminded" is neutral or helpful.
→ Answer: nagged

9. The fun house was ________. (idiotic, silly)
✔ idiotic – "Idiotic" is harsh and insulting; "silly" is light-hearted.
→ Answer: idiotic

10. I didn't like the ________ on the clown's face. (smirk, grin)
✔ smirk – A smirk is smug or self-satisfied; a grin is cheerful.
→ Answer: smirk

11. It made me feel ________. (uneasy, frightened)
✔ frightened – "Frightened" is stronger and more negative than "uneasy."
→ Answer: frightened

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C. Answer the following questions

12. Which is worth more, something old or something antique?
✔ antique – "Antique" implies value, history, and rarity; "old" is just about age.
→ Answer: antique

13. Is it better to be slender or skinny?
✔ slender – "Slender" is a positive term for slim; "skinny" can sound negative or unhealthy.
→ Answer: slender

14. Which would you rather be called, cheap or thrifty?
✔ thrifty – "Thrifty" means wise with money; "cheap" implies stinginess.
→ Answer: thrifty

15. Would a vain person be more likely to stroll or parade?
✔ parade – "Parade" suggests showing off; "stroll" is casual. Vain people like attention.
→ Answer: parade

16. Which is more serious, a problem or a disaster?
✔ disaster – "Disaster" is much worse than a "problem."
→ Answer: disaster

17. Is it more polite to sip or gulp a drink?
✔ sip – "Sip" is graceful and controlled; "gulp" is hurried and rude.
→ Answer: sip

18. If you haven’t eaten for days, would you be hungry or starving?
✔ starving – "Starving" is extreme hunger; "hungry" is mild.
→ Answer: starving

19. After walking in mud, would your shoes be dirty or filthy?
✔ filthy – "Filthy" is stronger and more negative than "dirty."
→ Answer: filthy

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Right-Hand Side: Select the description with a more negative connotation

Now let’s look at the images and choose the word with the more negative connotation.

1. The ______ detective was able to solve the crime.
- tricky / clever
✔ tricky – "Tricky" suggests deceit or manipulation; "clever" is positive.
→ Answer: tricky

2. It was hard to ignore the baby’s ______ screams.
- loud / piercing
✔ piercing – "Piercing" implies sharp and painful; "loud" is just volume.
→ Answer: piercing

3. Jill wore a/an ______ dress to the party.
- ancient / vintage
✔ ancient – "Ancient" sounds outdated or old-fashioned (negative); "vintage" is stylish and nostalgic.
→ Answer: ancient

4. Mark swept the ______ floor clean.
- filthy / dirty
✔ filthy – "Filthy" is stronger and more negative than "dirty."
→ Answer: filthy

5. Flossy was an ______ but friendly cow.
- obese / overweight
✔ obese – "Obese" has a medical/medicalized negative tone; "overweight" is milder.
→ Answer: obese

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✔ Final Answers Summary

#### Section A (Positive Connotation):
1. wonderful
2. Brave
3. fascinating
4. hilarious
5. smile

#### Section B (Negative Connotation):
6. cheap
7. soggy
8. nagged
9. idiotic
10. smirk
11. frightened

#### Section C (Questions):
12. antique
13. slender
14. thrifty
15. parade
16. disaster
17. sip
18. starving
19. filthy

#### Right-Side (More Negative Connotation):
- tricky
- piercing
- ancient
- filthy
- obese

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🔍 Explanation of Key Concepts:

- Denotation: The literal dictionary definition.
- Connotation: The emotional or cultural associations a word carries.
- Positive connotation: Words that evoke good feelings (e.g., "wonderful").
- Negative connotation: Words that suggest bad or unpleasant feelings (e.g., "filthy").

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

Let me know if you'd like a printable version or a teacher's answer key!